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 for coding and another 20 for rigorous testing and debugging. The creator stated the effort was worthwhile, given the impressive result.

This surprisingly complex Excel game boasts:

• A sprawling 90,000-cell map.
• Over 60 weapons.
• More than 50 enemies.
• Character and weapon upgrade systems.
• Three distinct character classes (tank, mage, assassin) with unique playstyles.
• 25+ armor sets.
• Six NPCs with associated quests.
• Four different game endings.

While completely free to play, controlling 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 pointed out the striking visual similarities between the in-game Small Erdtrees and this real-world tree. Furthermore, the deeper symbolic resonance between the game's catacombs (located at the Erdtree's roots and representing the destination of souls) and the Aboriginal Australian view of Nuytsia as a "spirit tree" associated with the sunset and the journey of spirits, has further fueled this fascinating connection.