🔗 Share this article

For a long time, I was not a fan 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, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a hero and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within 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, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. But you can also change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. 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 can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals damage to enemies in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose 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 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, 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. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.