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For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and introduced me to 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, 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. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, 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.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts harm to foes along the route.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. 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, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains 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, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, after playing her for years, it seems no future tank character as fun and innovative to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.