Transformers: War for Cybertron takes place on the home planet of Cybertron, where two rival factions, the Autobots and Decepticons, clash in a battle for control. The game's story explores the Transformers' origins, long before their encounter with Earth, which was previously explored in the games based on the 2007 and 2009 movies.
The third-person action game features single and online co-op campaigns for up to three players, each with its own story and missions. Players can choose to side with either the Autobots or Decepticons, utilizing the Unreal Engine to render the robots and their environments. In single player mode, players are accompanied by two fellow Transformers, which can be AI or player controlled. The game's key feature is the ability to transform at will, allowing players to switch between walking robot mode or driving or flying vehicle mode to explore the game's environments.
Online multiplayer allows players to configure their own Transformers: War for Cybertron character from one of four classes and engage in six different multiplayer modes such as Deathmatch, Code of Power, or Countdown to Extinction.
The game features voice actor Peter Cullen reprising his role as Optimus Prime, who has been involved with the role since the Transformers' beginning in 1984.