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Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and healers. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill 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 a set distance. But you can also alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a higher level or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters 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 creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; it also inflicts harm to foes along the route.

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 a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes 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 competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, after playing her for years, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are certainly not among them.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.