How to use D.Va’s Defense Matrix ability in Overwatch

A buff to D.Va’s Boosters a few patches ago has boosted D.Va right back into the Overwatch meta. After taking some time off while Orisa and Sigma were popular, she’s back to being a top pick in the Overwatch League and competitive play. Here are some tips on using her most important ability, Defense Matrix.

What does Defense Matrix do?

Defense Matrix is a field that D.Va emits that will block most projectiles in Overwatch. It will not block beams like Zarya’s primary fire or Moira’s ultimate (Coalescence). D.Va can use this ability to protect her teammates by “eating” shots and important abilities. Defense Matrix is her alternate fire and she can use it while boosting or using her Micro Missiles. It will recharge when D.Va isn’t using it.

When to use Defense Matrix

Good D.Va players will always aim to use Defense Matrix to eat key abilities. Eating a Zarya or Mei ultimate can singlehandedly win the fight for your team. Here are some ultimate abilities that you should look to protect your team from when playing D.Va.

• Zarya’s Graviton Surge
• Mei’s Blizzard
• Reaper’s Death Blossom
• McCree’s Deadeye
• Hanzo’s Dragonstrike
• Pharah’s Barrage
• Soldier’s Tactical Visor
• Torbjorn’s Molten Core
• Roadhog’s Whole Hog

Defense Matrix doesn’t always have to be used on ultimate abilities either. There are plenty of other valuable abilities to block in Overwatch. Getting rid of Reinhardt’s Fire Strike or Moira’s Orbs is also important. These abilities will give the opposing Reinhardt or Moira ultimate charge and potentially do a good chunk of damage to your teammates. Look out for stuns and crowd control abilities to absorb as well, such as McCree’s Flashbang.

One of the most important things to consider when using Defense Matrix is your charge. You always want to make sure you have enough charge to eat a key ability. Try to avoid using charge to eat crossfire or stray bullets. Never use Defense Matrix to attempt to block beams from Zarya, Moira, Symmetra, or Mei. Never use it to block Melee attacks from Reinhardt or Brigitte either.

Always look out for teammates to protect with your Defense Matrix. If your Mercy or Ana gets hooked by Roadhog, for example, you can cover them with Defense Matrix to ensure that he won’t kill them with his next shot.

If used properly, Defense Matrix is one of the best defensive abilities in the game. Always stay alert and keep some charge to protect your teammates. Be sure to stay tuned for more Overwatch guides!