Koei Tecmo and developer Gust, in collaboration with TOHO Games, have announced that The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother will launch on March 18, 2027, for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother marks the first console game adaptation of The Apothecary Diaries franchise and will feature an original story with new characters created by series author Hyuganatsu. The game follows Maomao as she investigates the Five Mysteries and tries to solve the Five Curses.
Along the way, players will encounter familiar characters from the series and meet new faces, including Yanxi, a high-ranking official in the rear palace’s Bureau of Court Etiquette known for her fortune-telling abilities, Guanyu, a traveling actor, and Chenhan, a regular patron of the Verdigris House who finds himself targeted by baseless accusations.
Players will primarily control Maomao as they investigate mysteries, complete quests, and deliver requested items, including medicine, to other characters. Building trust through these interactions unlocks special side stories that offer additional insight into the cast. The game will also introduce gameplay mechanics that allow players to approach investigations from different perspectives.
In addition to Maomao, players will occasionally take control of Jinshi and Maomao in cat form to uncover clues otherwise inaccessible in The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother. Jinshi can use his position within the rear palace to get statements from people unwilling to speak with Maomao.
At the same time, Maomao in cat form can reach elevated areas, eavesdrop on conversations, and retrieve evidence. Players also control the Quack Doctor and Luomen during medicine-making sequences, and their involvement affects the difficulty of the associated mini-games.
Each chapter features additional objectives that reward players with Completion Stamps for meeting specific conditions. Collecting every stamp unlocks special illustrations, giving players another incentive to explore the game’s mysteries and complete its challenges.
The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother will be available in standard and Digital Deluxe editions. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game, a formal costume pack for Maomao and Jinshi, a Fantasy costume pack for Maomao, and a Fashion accessory pack for Maomao in cat form.
Players who purchase a physical or digital copy by March 31, 2027, will receive the Apothecary’s Starter Kit and Modest Accessory Pack as an early purchase bonus. Those who pre-order the digital version by March 17, 2027, will also receive the Apothecary’s Tasteful Accessory Pack. The early purchase bonus is included with the digital pre-order bonus.
