A Reddit user, brightyh360, recently shared an incredible project on the r/excel subreddit: a top-down version of Elden Ring, meticulously crafted within Microsoft Excel. This feat of programming prowess took approximately 40 hours – 20 dedicated to coding and another 20 to rigorous testing and debugging. The creator proudly stated the project's worth, despite its extensive development time.

This impressive recreation boasts an astonishing level of detail, including:

• A sprawling 90,000-cell map.
• Over 60 unique weapons.
• More than 50 different enemy types.
• A comprehensive character and weapon upgrade system.
• Three distinct character classes (tank, mage, assassin) each offering unique playstyles.
• 25+ armor sets to customize your character.
• Six non-player characters (NPCs), each with their own quests.
• Four different game endings to unlock.

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 proceed with caution due to the significant number of macros.

Interestingly, the game's Erdtree has drawn comparisons to a Christmas tree, particularly on Christmas Eve. Reddit user Independent-Design17 suggests the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda, may have served as inspiration. They highlighted the striking visual similarities between the in-game Small Erdtrees and the Nuytsia floribunda. Further parallels exist in the cultural significance; Elden Ring's Erdtree roots house catacombs, the resting place of souls, mirroring the Aboriginal belief in Nuytsia as a "spirit tree," its vibrant colors associated with the sunset, the supposed journey of spirits, and each flowering branch representing a departed soul.