A Reddit user, brightyh360, recently shared an incredible feat on the r/excel forum: a top-down version of Elden Ring, painstakingly recreated in Microsoft Excel. This monumental project, clocking in at approximately 40 hours (20 hours coding, 20 hours testing and debugging), utilizes formulas, spreadsheets, and VBA to bring the game to life.
The impressive recreation boasts a 90,000-cell map, over 60 weapons, 50+ enemies, a robust character and weapon upgrade system, three distinct character classes (tank, mage, assassin), 25+ armor sets, six NPCs with quests, and four different endings.
While completely free to play, controlling the game requires keyboard shortcuts: CTRL + WASD for movement and CTRL + E for interaction. 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 Erd Tree has sparked a comparison to the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda. User Independent-Design17 highlighted the striking resemblance between the in-game Small Erd Trees and this unique tree. Further fueling the connection, fans noted the presence of catacombs at the roots of the Erd Tree in Elden Ring, mirroring the Aboriginal Australian cultural view of Nuytsia as a "spirit tree," its vibrant colors associated with the sunset and the journey of spirits, with each flowering branch representing a departed soul.
