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Over many years, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I played plenty 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. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a hero and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but another feature that sets her apart among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can really replicate — not even 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 may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

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

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way 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 striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes 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’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be 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.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.