A Reddit user, brightyh360, recently shared an incredible project on the r/excel subreddit: a top-down version of Elden Ring, painstakingly recreated in Microsoft Excel. This feat of programming prowess took approximately 40 hours – 20 hours dedicated to coding and another 20 to rigorous testing and debugging. The creator stated the result was well worth the extensive effort.

This impressive Excel game boasts:

• A sprawling 90,000-cell map.
• Over 60 unique weapons.
• More than 50 different enemy types.
• A fully functional character and weapon upgrade system.
• Three distinct character classes (tank, mage, assassin) each with unique playstyles.
• 25+ armor sets to customize your character.
• Six non-player characters (NPCs), each with their own quests.
• Four different game endings to discover.

While completely free to play, navigating the game requires keyboard shortcuts: CTRL + WASD for movement and CTRL + E for interactions. Reddit moderators have verified the file's safety, though users are advised to exercise caution due to the extensive use of macros.

Interestingly, the game's Erdtree has drawn comparisons to a Christmas tree, particularly on Christmas Eve. User Independent-Design17 suggests the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda, may have served as inspiration. They highlight the striking resemblance between the in-game Small Erdtrees and the Nuytsia, noting further parallels. In Elden Ring, catacombs are situated at the Erdtree's roots, serving as the resting place for souls. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal culture considers Nuytsia a "spirit tree," associating its vibrant colors with the sunset – the believed pathway of spirits – and each flowering branch representing a departed soul.