D.Va's Thrusters Make Her the Supreme Aerial Defender

Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Subsequently, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that would attract to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. However D.Va had the benefit of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: 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 quite distinctive, but there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: 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. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns 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 forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I like to soak up the damage and protect my team, 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 isn't solely for travel; it additionally deals damage to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also 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 believe 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. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.