Pre-Order for The Apothecary Diaries Game Is Now Open

After a month of waiting, Koei Tecmo has announced that The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother will launch on March 18th, 2027.

The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother, the first video game adaptation of the acclaimed series, is coming to Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PC. Fans will mostly play as Maomao, while some sections will have players step into the role of Master Jinshi, the Quack Doctor, Luomen, and Maomao the cat. Gameplay will revolve around collecting clues, analyzing the area, and questioning people in the rear palace. Check out the new trailer to learn more about the game:

Pre-Order The False Imperial Brother

The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is now available for pre-order. Gamers who purchase a physical or digital copy before March 31st will receive the “Apothecary’s Starter Kit” and “Modest Accessory Pack” as a bonus. Also, those who pre-order a digital copy by March 17th will receive the “Apothecary’s Tasteful Accessory Pack” as a bonus. Fans will also have the choice between the standard edition and the Digital Deluxe Edition. 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 the cat.

The False Imperial Brother

Based on the hit anime and light novel series, players step into the role of Maomao as she investigates the Five Mysteries and Five Curses, two chains of strange phenomena and conspiracies causing chaos throughout the rear palace, the pleasure district, and the streets of the capital. During her investigation, she is pulled into a case that will uncover a shocking secret capable of shattering the imperial court.

The Apothecary Diaries

The Apothecary Diaries is a historical mystery drama set in a Tang Dynasty-era China-inspired world. The story follows Maomao, an apothecary who is kidnapped and sold into servitude at the Imperial Palace. When palace officials learn she is literate and knowledgeable about medicine, they promote her to a higher role and task her with solving medical mysteries. Over time, she uncovers the truth about her parents and secrets about those around her.

The series has been widely praised, with Season 2 earning five awards at the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, including Best Drama and Best Director.

The entire series is currently available to watch on Crunchyroll and Hulu. Season 3 began streaming on October 2nd, 2026.

8Bit/Digi is a news outlet that provides insight for the Bay Area Gamer.