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For a long time, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a hero and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire 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 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 close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (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. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for movility; it additionally deals damage to foes along the route.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off 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, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills 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 allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.