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Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened 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, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. 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.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. Additionally, players may change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies so I can regroup – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

D.Va’s Boosters isn't solely for travel; it additionally deals damage to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. Let me tell you, few things are as gratifying 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 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. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a competitive title. It seems unlikely there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for 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 she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.