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 impressive feat required approximately 40 hours of work – 20 hours dedicated to coding and another 20 to rigorous testing and debugging. The creator stated the result was well worth the considerable effort.
This fully playable Excel game boasts an impressive array of features:
- A vast 90,000-cell map.
- Over 60 weapons.
- More than 50 enemies.
- Character and weapon upgrade systems.
- Three distinct character classes (tank, mage, assassin) offering varied gameplay.
- 25+ armor sets.
- Six NPCs 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. While Reddit moderators have verified the file's safety, users are advised to exercise caution due to the extensive use of macros.
Interestingly, the game's Erd Tree has drawn comparisons to a Christmas tree, particularly given its appearance on Christmas Eve. Reddit 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 Erd Trees and this real-world counterpart. Furthermore, the connection deepens when considering the cultural significance of Nuytsia as a "spirit tree" in Australian Aboriginal culture, mirroring the game's depiction of catacombs at the Erd Tree's roots, where souls are believed to reside. The vibrant colors of Nuytsia, associated with the sunset and the journey of spirits, further strengthen this fascinating parallel.
