D.Va's Thrusters Establish Her as the Supreme Aerial Defender

Over many years, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with my friends, but few held my interest. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than aid to my squad. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 arrived and presented me with a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

Initially, D.Va, an esports star turned pilot who commands a MEKA, 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 had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a tank. The character that absorbs all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Better yet, D.Va has dual modes: 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 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.

Boosters is an ability that enables the MEKA pilot (in her MEKA form) propel skyward, providing a velocity increase and letting her advance through the air for a set distance. But you can also change directions mid-flight, choosing to ascend onto a higher level or divert completely and head around obstacles like corners or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that no other defender can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: 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.

D.Va’s Boosters is not just for movility; it additionally deals damage 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, they are knocked back for 25 damage. Let me tell you, there’s nothing more satisfying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by striking her directly with the mech. That serves as a lesson to attempt long-range attacks.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 currently, especially when you’ve got heroes like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for the current meta. But she’s also one of the most unique characters I’ve ever played in a multiplayer game. I don’t think that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and believe me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are certainly not among them.

• D.Va excels in movement and interference.
• Her Thrusters provide superior flight maneuverability.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.