D.Va's Boosters Make Her the Ultimate Flying Tank

Over many years, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and presented me with a character 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 should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her gothic look and measured speech. However D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that incoming fire while protecting damage-dealers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has two forms: her pilot form, in which she moves with a blaster, and her MEKA configuration, in which she’s strapped into her MEKA. This duality make her pretty unique, but another feature that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is why I ultimately adored her: her melee and movement ability, Boosters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and allowing her to fly forward for a set distance. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like turns or the objective. This grants 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 ideal for my approach: I like to soak up the damage and defend allies, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though that’s never really the case.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for travel; it also inflicts harm to foes in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for a set amount of harm. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a superior choice for present strategies. Yet she remains among the most original heroes I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, hero creation and skills are definitely not included.

• D.Va shines at mobility and disruption.
• Her Thrusters provide unmatched aerial control.
• The hero can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Despite meta shifts, she remains a fan-favorite for distinctive approach.