Knucklehead was part of a three-man strike team along with Drift and Lockdown attempting to raid the Autobots stronghold. He incapacitated several Autobot soldiers before helping Drift prevent Lockdown from murdering two prisoners. Lockdown in turn beat Knucklehead within an inch of his life. When Drift knocked Lockdown into the fortress' molten moat, the Decepticon swore revenge against them.

Some time later, Knucklehead was among the Decepticons accompanying Sentinel Prime on the Ark. When he was prevented from heeding Megatron's call to Earth, Lockdown made good on his promise and stabbed him. Upon finding his old friend's corpse, Drift made him a grave.