On Cybertron the Autobot resistance, led by Optimus Prime, is on the verge of losing the civil war against the Decepticons and prepare to evacuate the planet. A Decepticon force, led by Soundwave and Shockwave, intercepts them during the evacuation, and Optimus sends Autobot scout Bumblebee to Earth on an escape pod in order to set up a base of operations where the Autobots can regroup.
Set in 1994, Rise of the Beasts will introduce the Maximals and the Predacons, while also introducing the Terrorcons. This will also serve as an origin story for Optimus Prime and how he became the leader of the Autobots.