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Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and presented me with a character and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

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

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards 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 serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems 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 definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.