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For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and introduced me to a character and an ability 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. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her mech form, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but another feature that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her close-quarters and mobility skill, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, 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, choosing to ascend onto a higher level 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 truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though this isn't entirely true.

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

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with the mech. That’ll teach her 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 Orisa and Ramattra whose pure defensive skills make them a better pick for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• D.Va shines at movement and interference.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while creating opportunities for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.