Combiner Figures: Devastator, Bruticus, Superion — Which Ones to Buy?
The complete guide to giant combined robots — history, comparison, and buying advice for collectors
In the Transformers universe, Combiners hold a special place: they are groups of robots that merge to form a single, super-powerful colossus. A concept as simple as it is spectacular — five or six individual robots that assemble into a giant where each limb is a distinct robot. It's one of the most brilliant ideas of Generation 1, and it has fascinated fans ever since 1985.
Devastator, Bruticus, Superion — these three names are the pillars of the Combiner world. Each represents a different philosophy: Devastator is the absolute symbol of raw power, Bruticus combines meticulous design and versatility, and Superion is the definitive Autobot Combiner for fans of the good side. But with different budgets, multiple lines, and editions released every year, choosing the right Combiner figure isn't so simple.
This guide compares the three major Combiners character by character, line by line, to help you make the choice that suits your collection. To better understand these characters in the universe, also read our articles on Decepticons and Autobots.
New for 2026: Hasbro has announced the Age of the Primes Bruticus — a complete redesign with fully individual limbs and improved articulation. The Age of the Primes Superion is already available and universally praised as one of the best accessible Combiners of the last ten years. On Reddit, Devastator remains "the ultimate Combiner" for G1 fans, while Superion is considered smoother in transformation for beginners.
What is a Transformers Combiner?
The foundational concept — five robots, one giant, a stroke of genius.
A Combiner (or Gestalt) is a group of Transformers that physically merge to form a single giant robot. The concept appeared in 1985 in Generation 1, with the Constructicons forming Devastator — the first time in toy history that a robot was assembled from other distinct and fully functional robots. The idea was so powerful that it has remained a pillar of the franchise for 40 years.
In terms of collecting, Combiners represent a higher level of commitment: you don't buy one figure, you buy five or six figures that make sense together. Each member is a character in their own right with their own characteristics, but it is their fusion that reveals their true reason for being. This dual level — individual and collective — is what makes Combiners so fascinating and satisfying to own. To understand the context of the war between the two factions, our article Autobots vs Decepticons provides all the keys.
The three types of members in a Combiner
- The torso: The central robot that forms the main body of the Combiner — always the most important character in the group (e.g., Onslaught for Bruticus, Silverbolt for Superion)
- The arms: Two robots that each transform into an arm of the giant — often the most creative designs
- The legs: Two robots that form the legs — generally the most massive and stable members
Devastator: The Original and The Ultimate
Six Constructicons, one green colossus — the Combiner that invented it all in 1985.
Devastator is the first Combiner in Transformers history and, for many fans, the best. Formed by the six Constructicons — Scrapper, Hook, Long Haul, Mixmaster, Bonecrusher, and Scavenger — he is distinguished by his immediately recognizable green and purple design and a unique mythological aura within the franchise. Being "the first" gives him a status that subsequent Combiners have never quite matched.
What makes Devastator particularly interesting for collectors is that he is composed of six members instead of five — which gives him an overwhelming visual mass and presence. The Combiner Wars Devastator (2015) and the recent Age of the Primes Devastator are the two most popular modern references. On Reddit, the community is unanimous: "Devastator is the ultimate Combiner, primarily because he was the original and became the symbol of what a Combiner should be." To understand his faction, read our guide The Decepticons: Lords of Destruction.
The six Constructicons that form Devastator
- Scrapper: Wheel loader — forms the right leg, leader of the Constructicons
- Hook: Construction crane — forms the shoulders and head, the perfectionist of the group
- Long Haul: Dump truck — forms the left leg, the strongest
- Mixmaster: Cement mixer — forms the lower left leg, the group's chemist
- Bonecrusher: Bulldozer — forms the left arm, impulsive and aggressive
- Scavenger: Excavator — forms the right arm, the least confident of the six
Devastator: for which collector profile?
Devastator is the choice for fans who want the absolute centerpiece of a Decepticon collection. His visual presence is incomparable — no other Combiner has the same mass or mythological aura. However, it is also the highest investment of the trio: a decent quality version costs at least €80-120, and premium versions easily exceed €200.
- For whom: Passionate G1 fans, confirmed Decepticon collectors, those who want "the" central piece on their shelf
- Recommended version: Combiner Wars Devastator for budget, SS86 Devastator for maximum quality
- To know: 6 members = higher investment than a standard 5-member Combiner
Bruticus: The Most Versatile Decepticon Combiner
Five Combaticons, one massive warrior — a collector's favorite for individual quality.
Bruticus is formed by the five Combaticons — Onslaught, Blast Off, Vortex, Brawl, and Swindle — and distinguishes himself from Devastator with a crucial advantage that the community consistently highlights: each member is an excellent individual figure before being a component of the Combiner. Where some Devastator members lose their interest outside of combination, the Combaticons each have their own design, personality, and inherent value that fully justifies acquiring them separately.
In 2026, the Age of the Primes Bruticus announced by Hasbro is the most anticipated product of the year in the Combiner collector community. Its redesigned aesthetic corrects the flaws of previous versions (more stable joints, improved proportions) while maintaining compatibility with the new Shockwave — a unique interaction that exists in no other Combiner. To understand Bruticus's place in the Decepticon hierarchy, our complete guide to the faction will enlighten you.
The five Combaticons that form Bruticus
- Onslaught: Military vehicle — Bruticus's torso and head, a cold and ruthless strategist
- Blast Off: Space shuttle — right arm, long-range sniper
- Vortex: Military helicopter — left arm, specialist in psychological interrogation
- Brawl: Battle tank — right leg, the most aggressive and least subtle
- Swindle: Yellow military vehicle — left leg, the opportunistic arms dealer of the group
Superion: The Autobot Champion of the Skies
Five Aerialbots, one celestial defender — the smoothest transformation of all Combiners.
Superion is the definitive Autobot Combiner — formed by the five Aerialbots, a squadron of jet fighters that joined the Autobots to counterbalance the Decepticons' air superiority. Silverbolt, Air Raid, Fireflight, Slingshot, and Skydive: five elite pilots whose fusion gives birth to a formidable aerial giant against Bruticus and Devastator.
What distinguishes Superion from the two Decepticon Combiners is the fluidity of his transformations and the integration of his members. According to analyses from the international community, the Age of the Primes Superion released in early 2026 is the "most accomplished accessible Combiner on the current market" — solid joints, clean transitions, and a visually impressive final result. It's also the recommended Combiner for those new to this universe: less complex than Devastator, more balanced than Bruticus. To explore the Autobots that make up his team, our faction guide is essential.
The five Aerialbots that form Superion
- Silverbolt: White supersonic jet — Superion's torso and head, a courageous leader who hides a fear of heights
- Air Raid: Black jet — arm, the boldest and least disciplined of the five
- Fireflight: Red jet — arm, dreamy and distracted, but formidable in combat
- Slingshot: White Harrier — leg, arrogant and jealous of his teammates
- Skydive: Gray jet — leg, the most studious and best tactician of the group
Other Combiners to Know
Beyond the main trio — Combiners that deserve your attention.
Devastator, Bruticus, and Superion are the big three — but the Combiner universe is much vaster. Several other Gestalts deserve the attention of advanced collectors, each bringing a unique visual and narrative identity.
Menasor — The Decepticon Combiner of the highways
Formed by the five Stunticons (fast ground vehicles including Motormaster, the black truck), Menasor is Superion's direct rival. His chaotic design reflects the unstable personality of his members — the Stunticons hate each other almost as much as they hate the Autobots. The Combiner Wars Menasor version remains a reference for fans of the Decepticon faction.
Defensor — The defensive Autobot Combiner
Formed by the five Protectobots (emergency vehicles: ambulance, fire truck, helicopter), Defensor is the gentlest Combiner in the entire Transformers universe — his team is dedicated to saving lives, not fighting. A popular piece for collectors who want to diversify their Autobot collection with a different narrative angle.
Computron — The technological Combiner
Formed by the Technobots, Computron is the most intelligent Combiner in the franchise — a direct response to Abominus, the Terrorcons' Combiner. Its release in the Age of the Primes line in 2025-2026 was very well received, particularly for the individual quality of each member and the stability of the combined mode.
Did you know? The name "Gestalt" used to refer to Combiners comes from psychology — a Gestalt is a whole whose sum is greater than its parts. This is exactly what these robots represent: together, they are incomparably more powerful than each of their members separately. To understand who the strongest Transformer in the entire universe is — Combiners included — our dedicated article answers this question.
Which One to Buy According to Your Profile?
Devastator, Bruticus, or Superion — the final decision based on your priorities.
The decision between these three Combiners depends on three factors: your preferred faction (Autobots or Decepticons), your available budget, and your interest in individual figures vs the combined result. Here are the most common scenarios.
You are a Decepticon fan and want "the" iconic piece
Choose Devastator. He is the absolute symbol of the Combiner in the collective imagination — the benchmark against which all others are measured. His status as the "first Combiner" gives him an incomparable mythological aura. Recommended minimum budget: 100€ for a decent version, 150€+ for satisfactory quality. Pair him with the Megatron figure for a Decepticons shelf that commands respect.
You want excellent individual figures AND an impressive Combiner
Choose Bruticus — specifically the Age of the Primes Bruticus 2026. This version combines the best individual qualities of each Combaticon with a convincing fusion. His compatibility with the new Shockwave also makes him the most interconnected piece in the entire current Decepticon ecosystem. To place Bruticus in the faction's hierarchy, read our guide to the best Decepticon figures.
You are an Autobot fan or you are new to Combiners
Choose Superion. The Age of the Primes Superion is currently the most accessible Combiner on the market, with the smoothest transformations and most stable joints. It's the recommended choice for those who want to discover the Combiner experience without making an intimidating investment. He fits perfectly alongside Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in an Autobot collection.
| Combiner | Faction | Number of members | Individual quality | Ease of assembly | Entry budget |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Devastator | Decepticon | 6 Constructicons | Average | Complex | 100-150€ |
| Bruticus | Decepticon | 5 Combaticons | Excellent | Intermediate | 70-100€ |
| Superion | Autobot | 5 Aerialbots | Very Good | Smooth | 60-90€ |
| Menasor | Decepticon | 5 Stunticons | Good | Intermediate | 70-100€ |
| Defensor | Autobot | 5 Protectobots | Good | Smooth | 60-90€ |
Enrich your Transformers collection
Autobot and Decepticon figures available for less than 30€ — the perfect base before your first Combiner.
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