🔗 Share this article The MEKA Pilot's Thrusters Establish Her as the Supreme Flying Tank Over many years, I was not a fan of multiplayer games. I played plenty of them with companions, but none kept my attention. My aim was poor, and seemed more a liability than aid to my squad. Then, 2016’s Overwatch happened and introduced me to a hero and an skill that's remained memorable ever since. Initially, D.Va, a gamer girl turned child-soldier who pilots a mech, wasn’t the sort of character that would attract to me. Widowmaker was more my style, 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 incoming fire while shielding attackers and healers. Additionally, D.Va has dual modes: her out-of-mech state, 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 another feature that makes her stand out among other defenders, and is the reason I inevitably fell in love: her melee and movement ability, Thrusters. Boosters is an ability 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. But you can also change directions mid-flight, opting to rise onto a elevated position or divert completely and head around obstacles like turns or the payload. It gives D.Va a agility and unrestricted motion that none of the other tanks can really replicate — including Reinhardt with his charge ability. Her Thrusters is ideal for my approach: I prefer to absorb attacks 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 this isn't entirely true. The Thrusters ability is not just for movility; it also inflicts damage to enemies along the route. An offensive component exists to D.Va’s Boosters ability. If enemies get in the way as you’re using Boosters, you send them flying backwards for 25 damage. I assure you, few things are as gratifying than finishing off a pesky Ashe by striking her directly with your MEKA. That’ll teach her to try and snipe you from afar. D.Va may not be the “best” tank in Overwatch 2 nowadays, particularly with characters like Orisa and Ramattra whose raw defensive abilities make them a better pick for present strategies. But she’s also among the most original heroes I have experienced in a competitive title. It seems unlikely that any a D.Va equivalent, and trust me, after playing games like Marvel Rivals after falling off Overwatch 2, I’ve been looking for a replacement for D.Va, and a similar mobility skill, for years. The truth is, with extensive time as her, it seems there isn’t ever going to be as fun and innovative to play as she is. Despite any issues Overwatch 2 might have, character design and abilities are definitely not included. D.Va shines at mobility and disruption. Her Boosters provide superior flight maneuverability. She can soak damage while opening chances for allies. Regardless of strategy changes, she remains a beloved choice for her unique playstyle.