The MEKA Pilot's Boosters Make Her the Ultimate Aerial Defender

For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I played plenty of them with companions, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot 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 possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a defender. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers 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 there’s something else that makes her stand out among her fellow tanks, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters.

Thrusters represent a skill that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, giving her a boost of speed and letting her advance through the air for 24 meters. Additionally, players may alter course while airborne, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the objective. This grants D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and defend allies, while having the option to retreat if the situation intensifies so I may reassemble – it makes me feel indestructible, even though this isn't entirely true.

The Thrusters ability is not just for travel; it additionally deals damage to enemies in its path.

There’s even a damage element to D.Va’s Boosters ability. When opponents obstruct the path as activating Thrusters, you send them flying backwards 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 serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

The hero might not rank as the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for the current meta. But she’s also one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. It seems unlikely that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for 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 enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as D.Va. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• D.Va shines at movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• The hero can absorb attacks while opening chances for her team.
• Despite meta shifts, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.