The second season of The Apothecary Diaries anime recently concluded, captivating fans with Maomao’s sharp wit and the imperial palace’s intricate mysteries. Following this milestone, online gaming platform CTW Inc. announced on July 28, 2025, that pre-registration is now open for a new browser-based simulation game, The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles, on the HTML5 gaming platform G123. This marks the first online game adaptation of the beloved anime and light novel series, inviting players worldwide to immerse themselves in the richly detailed world of the imperial court.
Gameplay and Features
The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles allows players to step into the role of Maomao, the franchise’s resourceful apothecary, as they navigate the complexities of the imperial palace and pleasure district. The simulation game focuses on training Maomao, advancing her career through mission completion, and solving various cases and dilemmas. Players can deepen bonds with key characters like Jinshi, a charismatic eunuch, and the consort Gyokuyou, while engaging in cooperative gameplay to gather ingredients and craft medicines. The game’s narrative-driven mechanics aim to capture the signature intrigue and character development that define The Apothecary Diaries.
Designed for accessibility, the game requires no installation and is playable directly through web browsers on smartphones, tablets, or PCs, ensuring broad compatibility. The Apothecary Diaries Palace Chronicles is free-to-play with optional in-game purchases, making it an inviting entry point for both fans and newcomers to explore the series’ beautifully illustrated world.
Pre-Registration Campaign
To build anticipation, CTW Inc. has launched a pre-registration campaign with rewards tied to milestone sign-ups. Players can register via the official G123 website, follow the official Instagram, or follow the official X account to participate. The reward milestones include:
50,000 sign-ups: 50 Draw Tickets
100,000 sign-ups: 20 Tea Items
200,000 sign-ups: The character Xiaolan
These incentives aim to enhance the gaming experience with exclusive in-game content, encouraging early participation. Pre-registration is now live, inviting players to join the growing excitement for the game’s release.
The game brings iconic characters from The Apothecary Diaries to life with stunning illustrations. Maomao, a former apothecary now serving as a palace maid, drives the narrative with her fierce curiosity and expertise in poisons and medicine, unraveling mysteries that reshape her destiny. Jinshi, a strikingly beautiful eunuch, recognizes Maomao’s talents and appoints her as the attendant to the Emperor’s favored consort, sparking their dynamic interplay. These characters, alongside others like Gyokuyou, enrich the game’s immersive storytelling, allowing players to forge meaningful connections within the palace’s intricate world.
What is The Apothecary Diaries about?
The Apothecary Diaries originates from a bestselling light novel series by Natsu Hyūga, illustrated by Touko Shino, serialized under Shufunotomo’s Hero Bunko imprint, with over 40 million copies sold. The series has also been adapted into two manga series: one by Itsuki Nanao with art by Nekokurage, and another by Minoji Kurata. Published in English by J-Novel Club for the novels and Square Enix for the manga, the franchise has earned global acclaim for its blend of historical drama, medical mysteries, and subtle romance.
Set in the imperial rear palace of a grand empire, The Apothecary Diaries follows Maomao, a young apothecary turned palace maid, whose knowledge of poisons and medicine pulls her into the heart of court intrigues. When the emperor’s children begin dying mysteriously, Maomao’s curiosity drives her to investigate, dismissing notions of curses with her scientific mindset. Appointed as a food taster by Jinshi, a high-ranking eunuch, she tackles palace rumors, political schemes, and dangerous incidents with sharp wit and determination, cementing her role as a compelling protagonist in this intricate mystery-solving saga.
Following the recent conclusion of The Apothecary Diaries Season 2, the anime has been confirmed for a sequel, though details about its format—whether a third season, movie, or another adaptation—remain undisclosed. This continuation promises to delve deeper into Maomao’s journey and the imperial court’s complexities.
Source: G123
