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Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a hero 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, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: 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 pretty unique, but another feature that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

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

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome 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 “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks 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. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. 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 absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.