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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts harm to foes along the route.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. The truth is, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.