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For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, 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 arrived and introduced me to a character and an ability 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 more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But 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 MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but another feature 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 letting her advance through the air for a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for movility; it additionally deals harm to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be 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. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought my next 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, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.