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On October 21, 2026, Gust and Koei Tecmo released a new trailer for The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother showcasing many new gameplay features and officially revealing the game’s release date of March 18, 2027.
Today’s trailer revealed that in addition to Maomao, players will also get the opportunity to play as Jinshi and much more importantly they’ll be able to run around as Maomao (Cat).
When playing as Jinshi, players will be able to use his position in the rear palace to speak to NPCs and obtain statements that Maomao wouldn’t have any access to. Maomao (Cat) will similarly be able to reach high places that the other two character cannot in order to eavesdrop on conversations and and retrieve pieces of evidence.
Pre-orders for the game have officially begun with several pre-order and early purchase bonuses being announced by Gust
- Early Purchase before March 31st Bonus: “Apothecary’s Starter Kit and Modest Accessory Pack”
- Digital Pre-Order Bonus: “Apothecary’s Tasteful Accessory Pack”
- Digital Deluxe Edition Bonus: a Formal costume pack a Fantasy costume pack for Maomao, and a Fashion accessory pack
About The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother
Developed by Gust and Koei Tecmo, The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is an upcoming mystery game where the player will take control of Maomao in the world of The Apothecary Diaries in order to unravel the secrets of the five mysteries.
Investigations in this game will be split into two phases: The Investigation Phases where they’ll need to explore the scene, find clues in the palace, and interview witnesses inside and outside of the city while concocting medicine as Maomao that can be used as evidence. Then the Deduction Phase where the player will need to put together the information and evidence that they gathered.
In The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, players follow Maomao as they attempt to unravel the secrets of the Five Mysteries and solve the Five Curses. As the story unfolds, Maomao will encounter a familiar cast of characters alongside brand-new faces, conceived by series author Hyuganatsu, including Yanxi, a high-ranking official in the rear palace’s Bureau of Court Etiquette, known for her accurate fortune-telling skills; Guanyu, a travelling actor; and Chenhan, a regular patron of the Verdigris House, targeted by baseless accusations and unable to defend himself effectively. In addition, Maomao will interact with characters by fulfilling quests and delivering requested items, such as medicine, which will increase her trust with each character, unlocking special side stories for fans to enjoy and discover more about their favorite characters.
Whilst players will mainly play as Maomao, they will also be able to sometimes explore the rear palace as Jinshi and Maomao (Cat), allowing them to obtain information that is inaccessible to human Maomao. For example, by taking control of Jinshi, players can use his position within the rear palace to obtain statements from people who would not speak to Maomao, whilst Maomao (Cat) can reach high places to find clues, eavesdrop on conversations, and retrieve pieces of evidence.
As the story unfolds, players will also be able to play as the Quack Doctor, and Luomen whilst concocting medicines, thereby affecting the difficulty of the associated mini-games. Finally, if fans fulfill certain conditions in each chapter, they will unlock Completion Stamps which, once all have been unlocked, will reward them with special illustrations.
The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is currently scheduled to release on March 18, 2027 for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam.
