A Reddit user, brightyh360, shared an incredible project on the r/excel subreddit: a top-down version of Elden Ring recreated entirely 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 weapons;
- More than 50 enemies;
- A comprehensive character and weapon upgrade system;
- Three distinct character classes (tank, mage, assassin) offering diverse playstyles;
- 25+ armor sets;
- Six NPCs, each with unique 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 interactions. Reddit moderators have verified the file's safety, but users are advised to exercise caution due to the significant number of macros.
Interestingly, the game's Erdtree has sparked 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 striking visual similarities between the in-game Small Erdtrees and the Nuytsia. Further parallels exist in the game's lore: catacombs located at the Erdtree's roots represent the resting place of souls, mirroring the Aboriginal Australian culture's reverence for Nuytsia as a "spirit tree," where the souls of the departed reside, symbolized by its flowering branches. The tree's vibrant color is even associated with the sunset, the perceived pathway for spirits.
