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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 aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but another feature that sets her apart among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. But you can also change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — 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 also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals damage to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving 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 no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.