A Reddit user, brightyh360, recently shared an incredible project on the r/excel subreddit: a top-down version of Elden Ring recreated entirely within Microsoft Excel. This feat of programming prowess took approximately 40 hours to complete – 20 hours dedicated to coding and another 20 to rigorous testing and debugging. The creator proudly proclaimed the result well worth the considerable effort.
This impressive Excel recreation boasts a remarkable level of detail, including:
- 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, and assassin), each with unique playstyles.
- Over 25 armor sets.
- Six non-player characters (NPCs) with individual quests.
- Four different game endings.
While completely free to play, the game utilizes keyboard shortcuts for control: CTRL + WASD for movement and CTRL + E for interaction. Reddit moderators have verified the file's safety, but 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 visual similarity between the in-game Small Erdtrees and the Nuytsia, noting further parallels. In Elden Ring, catacombs located at the Erdtree's base represent the resting place of souls. Similarly, Australian Aboriginal culture considers Nuytsia a "spirit tree," associating its vibrant colors with the sunset – the perceived path of spirits – and each flowering branch with the soul of a deceased individual.
