Set in 1994, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts expands the universe by introducing the Maximals—Noble descendants of the Autobots who can transform into powerful animals. Fleeing from Unicron’s devastating assault on their homeworld, the Maximals arrive on Earth with the Transwarp Key, a potent artifact that can open portals through time and space. Their leader sacrifices himself so that Optimus Primal and his allies can escape, laying the groundwork for the looming clash between good and cosmic evil.
In New York, ex-military electronics wiz Noah Diaz is struggling to make ends meet when, in an ill-advised car theft, he stumbles upon Mirage—an Autobot spy in disguise. Meanwhile, museum intern Elena Wallace unwittingly discovers the Transwarp Key hidden inside a falcon statue, triggering a deadly race between Autobots and the Terrorcons—Unicron’s heralds—who aim to claim the artifact for devastating power. Noah and Elena find themselves thrust into an interstellar mission far beyond what they ever expected.
The conflict escalates as the Terrorcons attack, killing Bumblebee and stealing half of the key. The arrival of Airazor—a Maximal warrior—reveals that the key was intentionally split and hidden away by the Maximals. The search leads the heroes deep into Peru, where they encounter Wheeljack, indigenous guardians, and an ambush from Scourge’s forces. Betrayal and corruption mount when Airazor falls under dark energy’s influence, forcing Optimus Primal to make a tragic but necessary choice to save Elena.
The stakes explode when Scourge reunites the key, summoning a portal that threatens to unleash Unicron on Earth. In a climactic battle that merges Autobots and Maximals in fierce alliance, Noah and Elena work to disable the key while Autobots fight to defend humanity. Mirage sacrifices himself to protect Noah and grants him an exo-suit form. Bumblebee is revived by Energon, and Optimus Prime destroys the artifact, collapsing the portal and halting Unicron’s advance. Noah and Primal save Prime from being pulled into the void.
In the aftermath, the Transformers accept Earth as their new home and vow to protect it alongside the Maximals. Elena is recognized for her discovery in Peru, while Noah is offered a new opportunity—an invitation to join G.I. Joe, securing his brother’s medical care. In a touching mid-credits moment, Noah repairs Mirage using salvaged car parts, reaffirming that heroes can endure even beyond the battlefield.