🔗 Share this article

Over many years, I was not a fan of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a hero and an ability that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, 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 seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for movility; it additionally deals damage to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, 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, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while creating opportunities for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.