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Over many years, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous 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. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a character and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the objective. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• D.Va shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.