KOEI TECMO America and developer Gust, in collaboration with TOHO Co., Ltd., have announced that The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother will launch on March 18, 2027. The first console game adaptation of the popular franchise is in development for Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam.
The announcement also revealed new gameplay details as pre-orders opened. Players will follow Maomao as she investigates the Five Mysteries and attempts to solve the Five Curses in an original story featuring familiar characters and new additions created by series author Hyuganatsu.
The story introduces several new characters, including Yanxi, a high-ranking official in the rear palace’s Bureau of Court Etiquette known for her accurate fortune-telling, Guanyu, a travelling actor, and Chenhan, a regular patron of the Verdigris House who faces baseless accusations.
Players can build trust with characters by completing quests and delivering requested items, including medicine. Increasing their trust unlocks special side stories that reveal more about the cast.
Although Maomao is the main playable character, certain sections will let players explore the rear palace as Jinshi and Maomao (Cat). Jinshi can use his position to obtain statements from people who would not speak to Maomao, while Maomao (Cat) can reach high places, eavesdrop on conversations, and retrieve evidence.
Players will also take control of the Quack Doctor and Luomen during medicine-making sequences. Their involvement affects the difficulty of the associated mini-games. Completing specific conditions in each chapter will unlock Completion Stamps, with a special illustration awarded once all stamps have been collected.
The Apothecary Diaries Game Pre-Order Bonuses
Players who purchase a physical or digital copy of The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother before March 31, 2027, will receive the Apothecary’s Starter Kit and Modest Accessory Pack as an early purchase bonus.
A Digital Deluxe Edition will also be available alongside the standard edition. It includes the base game and the following additional content:
- Formal costume pack for Maomao and Jinshi
- Fantasy costume pack for Maomao
- Fashion accessory pack for Maomao (Cat)
Players who pre-order the digital version by March 17, 2027, will receive the Apothecary’s Tasteful Accessory Pack as a digital pre-order bonus. The early purchase bonus content is also included with the digital pre-order bonus.
