🔗 Share this article

Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability 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, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, 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 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 a set distance. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender 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 also being able to get out 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 isn't solely for travel; it additionally deals harm to enemies along the route.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.