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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 felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill 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 alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, 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.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; it also inflicts harm to enemies in its path.

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters 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. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe 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, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character 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.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.