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For a long time, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with my friends, 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 happened and introduced me to a character and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being the role I prefer: a defender. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. But you can also alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. It gives 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 ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

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

There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. The truth is, after playing her for years, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

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