🔗 Share this article

Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character 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 character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; it additionally deals harm to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying 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 “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.