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For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, 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 why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to enemies in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is 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 my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.