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Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. 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, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a character and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for travel; it also inflicts damage to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards for a set amount of harm. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for present strategies. But she’s also one of the most unique characters 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 have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.