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Over many years, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

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 a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while also being able to get out if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

The Thrusters ability is not just for movility; it also inflicts harm to enemies 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 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next 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 enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.