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Over many years, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The character that absorbs all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: 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 pretty unique, 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 enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: 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 this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts harm to foes along the route.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That serves as a lesson to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, 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 one of the most unique characters I have experienced in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences 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, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.