🔗 Share this article

Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her out-of-mech state, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Boosters is an ability that lets D.Va (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 change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or veer entirely and navigate past barriers like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. 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 it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

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

An offensive component exists to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any 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 a similar mobility skill, for a long time. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.