Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. I was bad at shooting, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Then, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's remained memorable 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. Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and monotone drawl. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she runs around with a gun, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. These two forms make her pretty unique, 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.
Thrusters represent a skill that lets D.Va (in her MEKA form) launch into the air, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for 24 meters. But you can also alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that no other defender can really replicate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. D.Va’s Boosters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while also being able to get out 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 is not just for movility; it also inflicts harm to enemies along the route.
There’s even a damage element to the Thrusters skill. When opponents obstruct the path as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.
The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for the current meta. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. I don’t think that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for years. 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 certainly not among them.
- The MEKA Pilot excels in movement and interference.
- Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
- The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for allies.
- Despite meta shifts, she remains a beloved choice for distinctive approach.
