In the harsh, unforgiving desert of ancient Egypt, ruled by
Rama-Tut,
a band of nomadic raiders found an infant, gray-skinned and freakish in
appearance, abandoned by the settlers of Akkaba. The nomads took the
child for their own, giving him the name En Sabah Nur, “The First One,”
and teaching him to be "strong" in order to survive the desert as a
child. This idea, that "the strong will survive," would shape
Apocalypse's actions throughout time.

Apocalypse is an ancient mutant
born with a variety of superhuman abilities who further augmented
himself after merging with Celestial technology. The character has total
control over the molecules of his body, enabling him to alter his form as it suits him,
such as allowing his body to become extremely malleable and flexible or
change its size, enhance his physical abilities, transform his limbs
into weapons or wings and jets, regenerate
from fatal injuries, adapt his body to apparently any disease or
hostile environment and give himself virtually any physical superhuman
power
.
The character is also able to project and absorb energy, and has
displayed telepathy and telekinesis. Apocalypse is as well capable of
technopathy,
able to directly interface with the various technologies he has at his
disposal. Apocalypse is also immortal, and immune to aging, not needing
sustenance of any kind and can survive fatal injuries. Whether this is a
separate ability or a result of his shapeshifting powers is unclear.
Aside from his superhuman powers, Apocalypse is extraordinarily intelligent,
a scientific genius with knowledge in various areas of science and
technology including physics, engineering, genetics and biology, that is
far more advanced than conventional science.
Apocalypse has knowledge of Celestial technology that he uses for his
own applications, such as altering mutants or humans. Apocalypse is also
a skilled demagogue and a master strategist.
Apocalypse's blood can heal other mutants, but is fatal for humans.
Apocalypse's blood can also restore his de-powered mutant descendants as
is seen when a large dose of Apocalypse's blood regenerates the lost
body part of Chamber and gave him a look similar to Apocalypse. It is hinted that this evolved Chamber's power to Omega Level.