D.Va's Thrusters Establish Her as the Ultimate Flying Tank

For a long time, I had little interest of multiplayer games. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and felt like more of a hindrance than help to my teammates. Subsequently, the release of Overwatch in 2016 happened and introduced me to a hero and an ability that's remained memorable ever since.

Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, didn’t seem the type that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was more my style, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va had the benefit of being the role I prefer: a defender. 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 mech form, in which she’s seated within her MEKA. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, 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 24 meters. But you can also alter course while airborne, opting to rise onto a elevated position or veer entirely and head around obstacles like corners or the objective. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. D.Va’s Boosters is brilliant for my playstyle: 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.

The Thrusters ability is not just for movility; it also inflicts 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 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 nowadays, particularly with characters like certain other tanks whose pure defensive skills make them a superior choice for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a multiplayer game. I don’t think there really is a D.Va equivalent, and believe me, following experiences like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I have sought a replacement for D.Va, and my next Boosters, for a long time. The truth is, after playing her for years, I feel like no future tank character as enjoyable and groundbreaking to play as she is. For all the faults Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included.

• The MEKA Pilot excels in mobility and disruption.
• Her Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can absorb attacks while creating opportunities for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a fan-favorite for her unique playstyle.