The Apothecary Diaries returns with another mystery, The False Imperial Brother, slated for release in 2027. Koei Tecmo announced The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother during the most recent Nintendo Direct, sharing a roughly two-minute trailer that showed Maomao investigating a series of strange incidents.

As the mystery-solving heroine, players would have to deep-dive into the “Five Mysteries” and “Five Curses” in the palace. According to the game’s official story descriptions, these mysteries involve unusual happenings within the imperial court that shook it to its core.

Maomao’s investigation subsequently leads her to meet a masked man calling himself the “imperial younger brother.” Furthermore, familiar faces will aid the main protagonist in her investigation, including Jinshi.

Players’ detective skills will come into play in the game’s core loop. One part of the trailer showed Maomao trying to connect the clues by choosing different dialogue options when speaking to NPCs, presenting pieces of evidence, and reviewing memories. According to the developers, the information players present during conversations can also affect their credibility, meaning incorrect answers could potentially reduce trust and lead to dead ends.

Gameplay will also integrate exploration, which is where the lush world of the rear palace and capital comes into play. Exploring can lead Maomao to different ingredients that she can use to concoct different medicines for key witnesses.

The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother Box Art Reveal!

Apothecary Maomao uses her intelligence and knowledge to solve mysteries and unveil the truth behind the False Imperial Brother before it destroys the imperial court.#ApothecaryDiariesTFIB pic.twitter.com/5kjsxm9YCY

— KOEI TECMO AMERICA (@KoeiTecmoUS) September 10, 2026

The Apothecary Diaries: The False Imperial Brother is slated to launch in early 2027. Although its latest reveal was shown in a Nintendo Direct, the game is confirmed for PS5 and PC as well.