The MEKA Pilot's Boosters Establish Her as the Ultimate Flying Tank

For a long time, I had little interest of online competitive titles. I engaged in numerous of them with companions, but none kept my attention. I was bad at shooting, and seemed more a liability than help to my teammates. Then, 2016’s Overwatch arrived and presented me with a character and an skill that's been stuck in my mind ever since.

At first glance, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who commands a MEKA, wasn’t the sort of character that should have appealed to me. The sniper Widowmaker was closer to my preference, with her dark aesthetic and measured speech. But D.Va possessed the advantage of being my favorite class: a tank. The one who soaks up all that damage while shielding attackers and support classes. Additionally, 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. These two forms make her quite distinctive, but there’s something else that sets her apart 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. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and navigate past barriers like corners or the payload. It gives D.Va a dynamism and freedom of movement that none of the other tanks can truly emulate — not even Reinhardt with his forward assault. Her Thrusters is brilliant for my playstyle: I prefer to absorb attacks and protect my team, while also being able to get out if it gets gnarly so I may reassemble – it creates a sense of invincibility, even though that’s never really the case.

The Thrusters ability isn't solely for movility; it additionally deals harm to foes in its path.

An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as activating Thrusters, they are knocked back for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than eliminating a troublesome Ashe by bopping her on the nose with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar.

D.Va may not be the top defender in Overwatch 2 nowadays, especially when you’ve got heroes like Orisa and Ramattra 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 that any a direct counterpart to D.Va, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals since leaving Overwatch 2, I have sought my next D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for a long time. In reality, with extensive time as her, I feel like there isn’t ever going to be as enjoyable and groundbreaking 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 Boosters provide unmatched aerial control.
• She can soak damage while opening chances for allies.
• Regardless of strategy changes, D.Va stays a beloved choice for distinctive approach.