Hardshell is the most fearless of the Insecticons and one of the toughest Decepticons. He is an expert hunter, an expert fighter and is a worthy leader. He has gained his many battle scars from off-lining many Wreckers he encountered. Shockwave believes that Hardshell, along with his brothers, Kickback and Sharpshot, are the three original Insecticons. This is evidenced by his ability to transform while the other lesser generations of Insecticons cannot.