In every Soulslike game, there are a few similarities that both act as a key to later areas and also reference the immensely influential Dark Souls, which is arguably the most important action RPG of the modern era. There are many such lore-rich devices in the Souls series that grant access to late-game areas and similar games have emulated this vibe.
No longer are crucial items just "red key" and "blue key", but now hold a significance of their own and a rational place in a game world's folklore and mythology. While many consider Hollow Knight to be more like Bloodborne than Dark Souls (often being given the excellent nickname "Bugborne" by some fans) there are plenty of things that make Hollow Knight stand out as fantastic and original, despite the similarities to FromSoftware's more recent games.
The King's Brand is a key item that lets the player pass through the door at the bottom of the Ancient Basin area, which leads to The Abyss (this should sound familiar to Dark Souls fans). Entering this deep and sinister location is required to find the Void Heart, which makes it possible to acquire more possible endings. However, before worrying about endings, first, the Knight needs to acquire the King's Brand.
Location Of The King's Brand
Found on the far east of the map, players seeking the King's Brand should head down to the Kingdom's Edge area. While there, travel to the end of the curving and descending route to come across the colossal corpse of an ancient Wyrm. This titanic husk is what holds the King's Brand within its still form, though, it is another who actually bars the way.
Hornet will arrive to stop the Knight from proceeding and must be defeated before the player can continue, however, don't resent them for halting one's progress, for they have a good reason. Keep going further into the Wyrm's giant Cast-Off Shell of a dead body to find the King's Brand at the very end of the path. After collecting the key item, the husk will begin to collapse, but thankfully Hornet swoops in to rescue the Knight from doom by debris.
To traverse the many obstacles between the nearest bench and the Cast-Off Shell within Kingdom's Edge, the Monarch Wings ability is a necessity. It grants the double-jump needed to reach the many ledges and cross the frequent deadly gaps one will encounter in Kingdom's Edge. This uplifting ability can be found in the Ancient Basin area immediately following the Broken Vessel boss fight. Though, in a very Metroidvania-like manner, obtaining the Monarch Wings requires the use of the Crystal Heart ability, which is found past a platforming segment in the Crystal Peak location.
Other Effects Of Obtaining The King's Brand
In addition to unlocking the door to the Abyss at the bottom of Ancient Basin, possessing the King's Brand will open up some new lines of dialogue with a number of characters. While these conversations won't affect the gameplay or any potential endings, players interested in the deepest lore would do well to have a chat with a few select NPCs, for what they say can be very enlightening and interesting to fans of this game's deep yet subtle story. There are six NPCs in total who gain new dialogue in this method.
King's Brand Dialogue For Bardoon
"Tiny thing... Oh hmm... The mark of Wyrm you bear. Is it change you seek? Or to save this ruin? That choice is yours. Always the smallest creatures that attempts the largest things."
King's Brand Dialogue For Eternal Emilitia
"Oh... hmm... Could it be? You've returned at last? No. No... Oh pardon me! For just a moment, I mistook a certain quality about you. You seemed almost... regal. Silly, I know. It's clear you're not of high birth, wandering about all dirty and tattered like that."
King's Brand Dialogue For Steel Soul Jinn
"...A King, the tiny It becomes. Jinn knows that mark, but cannot bow. Jinn's masters are other... minds other... Not order. Not order, they seek."
King's Brand Dialogue For Mask Maker
"I see another takes mantle of king? Then grim responsibility that shall bestow. No bug has ever laid claim to this whole. Even the beasts knew their limits and bound their realm at Nest's edge. It is the ancient caste that made attempt at such vast rule. Hallownest's ruin reflects well those fared attempts."
King's Brand Dialogue For Midwife
"My good friend. You wear that bright mark of relationship. Then you've met her perhaps? Her who'd guard the mark, the Gendered Child. A spritely thing, isn't she? Pale gift to the Nest and the Beast, fair trade for sacrifice made. Long she's been distant. It'd do our spirits well were she to grace us a visit home... He hee. Oh. Hmm. I am sorry. Old memories cause my mind to wander on such silly diversions, especially when I'm oh so famished..."
King's Brand Dialogue For White Lady
"It faced the Gendered Child? She's a fierce foe, strong in mind and body, striking reflection of her mother, though the two were permitted little time together. I never begrudged the Wyrm's dalliance as bargain. In fact, I feel some affection for the creature birthed. If your paths were ever to align, I imagine you might gain yourself a powerful ally."