The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother launches March 18, 2027, on Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Koei Tecmo America and developer Gust, working with TOHO, announced the date alongside new gameplay details and the opening of preorders.
The franchise’s first console game adaptation features an exclusive story about the Five Mysteries and Five Curses, with Maomao leading the investigation.
Play as Jinshi and Maomao the Cat to Find Different Clues
While you’ll mainly control Maomao, certain sections let you investigate as Jinshi or Maomao (Cat).
Jinshi can use his position in the rear palace to obtain testimony from people unwilling to speak with Maomao. The cat can reach high places, eavesdrop, and retrieve evidence that human Maomao cannot access.
Medicine-making sections also let you play as the Quack Doctor and Luomen, with your chosen character affecting the difficulty of the associated minigames.
New Characters Come From Series Author Hyuganatsu
The story introduces characters conceived by The Apothecary Diaries author Hyuganatsu:
- Yanxi: A high-ranking Bureau of Court Etiquette official known for accurate fortune-telling.
- Guanyu: A traveling actor.
- Chenhan: A Verdigris House regular struggling to defend himself against baseless accusations.
Completing quests and delivering requested items, including medicine, increases characters’ trust and opens special side stories.
Meeting certain conditions in each chapter also earns Completion Stamps. Collecting every stamp rewards you with special illustrations.
Digital Deluxe Edition and Purchase Bonuses Detailed
The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the base game, Formal costumes for Maomao and Jinshi, a Fantasy costume pack for Maomao, and Maomao’s (Cat) accessories.
Physical and digital purchases made before March 31, 2027, receive the Apothecary’s Starter Kit and Modest Accessory Pack.
Digital preorders placed by March 17 also receive the Apothecary’s Tasteful Accessory Pack, alongside the early purchase bonus.
The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother arrives March 18, 2027, on Switch 2, Switch, PS5, and PC via Steam.
