Smokescreen operates as an Autobot within the Transformers: Armada continuity. He exhibits an unwavering resolve and readiness for self-sacrifice to safeguard Autobots, Mini-Cons, and humans. His personality displays a marked duality: unyielding and merciless against Decepticons in combat, yet kind, friendly, and prone to good-natured humor outside of battle. This includes occasional lapses in judgment and a tendency toward recklessness during missions.

He joined Optimus Prime's team during their mission to Earth triggered by a detected Mini-Con reactivation signal. Separated from the main group during space bridge transit, he arrived at a different location on Earth. His initial encounter with the human children allied with the Autobots happened in an abandoned subway, where he inadvertently frightened them by pursuing them menacingly in vehicle mode before revealing his friendly nature.

Within the Armada cartoon continuity, Smokescreen functions as a reliable combatant, frequently employing his Powerlinx-enhanced crane cannon for precision sniping against aerial Decepticon threats. His role shifted when he became the primary wielder of the Skyboom Shield, transitioning from sniper to defender. He routinely launched the shield via his crane arm to aid allies confronting Megatron directly. A significant character development occurred when he vocally distrusted Scavenger, a former informant who joined the Autobots, labeling him a traitor. Following Scavenger's loyalty proving crucial to a victory, Smokescreen apologized, demonstrating his capacity for growth.

His most pivotal moment came during a Decepticon assault on the Autobot base. Left alone to guard the Space Mini-Con Team, he was ambushed and critically wounded by Megatron using the newly acquired Requiem Blaster. In a final act of defiance, Smokescreen used his towline to redirect the weapon's barrel toward himself, absorbing the blast at point-blank range to save his comrades. This sacrifice resulted in near-fatal injuries and his temporary deactivation.

Red Alert later rebuilt him into a new body, after which he adopted the name "Hoist". This transformation marked a shift in demeanor; he became more serious, less prone to joviality, and exhibited fewer impulsive tendencies. He occasionally remarked that his near-death experience ultimately strengthened him. As Hoist, he participated in missions a decade later during the Energon era, repelling Terrorcon clones in Toronto under Hot Shot's command. During this conflict, he saved Hot Shot from Divebomb clones and acknowledged the strategic complexity of fighting alongside a revived Megatron against common enemies.

In the Dreamwave comic continuity, Smokescreen's combat history includes early battles against Megatron's forces on Cybertron and Earth. During an attack on Autobase: Earth following Optimus Prime's disappearance, he sustained critical injuries from a point-blank cannon blast by Megatron. Though he survived, he required extensive repairs on Cybertron. His absence fueled his allies' vengeance during the final battle against Unicron. Later, as Hoist, he fought Terrorcon invasions in Toronto, showcasing his continued dedication to the Autobot cause.

An alternate-universe incarnation appears in the Universe comics, where Unicron's influence corrupted his mind and forced him into a death-duel with a Generation One version of Smokescreen. After killing his counterpart, he gained power while Unicron consumed the defeated Spark.

His abilities include utilizing his crane arm for both combat and tactical support, particularly when Powerlinxed with his Mini-Con partner, Liftor (later Refute in his Hoist form). This partnership enabled his crane to extend into a powerful missile launcher. As Hoist, his excavator form featured a shovel-arm punch attack activated via Mini-Con partnership.