Transformers Prime: 8 Strongest Decepticons

Highlights

Decepticons like Starscream and Knockout have distinct personalities and strengths, but often struggle to match the power of Autobots.
Breakdown is a reckless and aggressive Decepticon known for his physical strength, while Airachnid is a dangerous predator who works alone.
Dreadwing is a powerful warrior who fights with honor, while Shockwave is intelligent, intimidating, and possesses a powerful ion cannon. Soundwave is loyal and calculating, while Megatron is the strongest Decepticon.

Decepticons became central antagonists in the Transformers franchise early into their inception from the days of Gen One to the modern day. A rebellious, radical organization that attempted to change or save their homeworld of Cybertron, but ended up destroying it, this faction of Transformers is cruel yet tragic. Most notable is their members, as their cast has changed across different media, with only a few evil Decepticons remaining present in each iteration.

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One of Decepticon’s most memorable cast members can be found in Transformers: Prime. The show takes a different approach from G1 or the movies, as the Decepticons really get time to shine outside of one-note villains that are made to be slaughtered and dismantled by the Autobots. Each character possesses a distinct personality and a list of personal feats and strength levels, memorable in their own way, with incredible strengths.

8 Starscream

A Manipulative Traitor Who Would Rather Run Than Fight

One of the most well-known Decepticons in the franchise is Starscream, Megatron’s second in command and a power-hungry schemer who wants to upstage his leader and become the commander of Decepticons. This Starscream is no exception, as he spends two seasons trying to overtake Megatron, only giving up on the idea at the end of season 2.

However, despite his brilliant mind, his physical power pales compared to other Decepticons in the show. He is often overpowered by the likes of Megatron and Soundwave, as well as Autobots. This often causes Starscream to flee and seek new ways to increase his physical prowess, such as Apex Armor, instead of facing danger head-on.

7 Knockout

A Helpful Decepticon With A Penchant For Jokes

Knockout is the comic relief Decepticon character. Often preoccupied with matters such as appearance and style, he is often seen joking around the battlefield. His engineering and healing skills are also a helpful boon to other Decepticons, as Knockout can patch them up so they return to the battlefield.

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Knockout’s strength level is around average when it comes to battling himself. He can hold his own in a battle but is also seen losing to Autobots multiple times and relying on other gadgets and relics to ensure that he can match his opponents. However, he can compensate for his lack of strength with speed, prowess, and an innovative mind.

6 Breakdown

All Brawn With No Brain

Breakdown is Knockout’s battle partner; at first glance, he is the opposite of the doctor. Instead of supporting his allies, Breakdown prefers to charge straight into the heat of battle. Here, he can indulge in his favorite hobby, enthusiastically breaking everything in his path. In many ways, he is the Decepticon version of Bulkhead.

Breakdown isn’t known for being a smart planner, with his physical strength being his main attribute. He is often seen defending Knockout while the latter performs his operations. He can go toe-to-toe with Bulkhead, one of the strongest Autobots. However, his recklessness and aggressiveness can be a flaw, making Breakdown make foolish decisions.

5 Airachnid

A Viscious Predator Who Prefers To Work Alone

In many ways, Airachnid is similar to Starscream despite being less known in the community. She is often a loner who doesn’t care to work in a team but does often seek power for herself. She worked with both Decepticons and MECH at various points in the show. Still, neither of those alliances lasted for long as Airachnid pursued her own goals, eventually going against Megatron with an army of infections.

While she might not seem strong at first glance, that would be a misjudgment. Airachnid is incredibly quick and skillful, able to stalk her prey and exploit their weaknesses, as is demonstrated in her first battle against Arcee. She is also a ruthless killer and will not hesitate to end her opponent in a gruesome way, making her a dangerous threat.

4 Dreadwing

A Warrior Who Fights With Honor

Dreadwing is one of the most prominent Decepticons in Season 2, even serving as Megatron’s second-in-command in Starscream’s absence. Dreadwing is very different from his predecessor in that he is loyal to the Decepticon cause and doesn’t seek power over Megatron, with grief over his disgraced brother being the only feeling that can make him betray his leader.

Dreadwing combines strength and cunning in his fighting style and is known as one of the most powerful warriors of his race. In his battle against Starscream with Apex Armor, Dreadwing demonstrates resilience and honor as he’s willing to unite with his hated enemy, Optimus Prime, to defeat their common foe. He manages to lure Starscream into a trap and defeat him.

3 Shockwave

Intimidating, Intelligent, Insidious

Despite being a latecomer to the series, only joining the Decepticon crew in Season 3, Shockwave made an impression on many fans due to his cold, calculating, and ruthless demeanor. He is among the smartest Decepticons and his creations, Predacons, are pivotal plot points in the final season and the following movie. Shockwave’s personality makes him a consistently intimidating presence.

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However, Shockwave can more than hold his own in a battle. He possesses the ion cannon, an incredibly powerful weapon that can cause mayhem. Due to his build, Shockwave is physically strong and easily overpowers most Autobots, forcing them to rely on tricks and special tactics to stand a chance against him.

2 Soundwave

Emotionless & Loyal

Soundwave, the communications officer, is the only Decepticon who served aboard the Nemesis from the first to the last episode of Prime. He is a completely silent Decepticon who only relies on action to display himself. Out of all Decepticons, Soundwave is the most loyal to their leader and cause, saving him and ensuring no one else claims leadership, no matter how ruthless Megatron is.

Despite not looking like a powerhouse, Soundwave certainly is one. His emotionless demeanor allows him to act closest to what people would expect of a machine, perfectly calculating his opponents’ moves and countering them. A display of his power can be seen at the end of season 1, where Soundwave defeats Airachnid easily and maintains control of Nemesis.

1 Megatron

Leader Of The Decepticons Who’s Powers Rival Optimus Prime

Megatron is the unanimous leader of all Decepticons for many reasons, including his strength and personality. Megatron is a passionate and charismatic leader who spearheaded the revolutionary cause, gaining many supporters back on Cybertron. Despite his downfall due to greed and desire for power, Megatron is still respected and feared by many Decepticons.

As for his strength, Megatron is an unmatched brawler who can only be matched by his former friend, Optimus Prime. Megatron can take on multiple Autobots at the same time, as well as fighting Predaking, one of the most powerful transformers of the time. Megatron rightfully claims the title of the strongest Decepticon.