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Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, 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, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: 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 also inflicts harm to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly 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 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

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