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Over many years, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a hero and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within 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, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can soak damage while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.