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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a hero and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: 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 makes her stand out among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, 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 objective. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts damage 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. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be 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 the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking 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 mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.