Elden Ring Reborn in Excel's Spreadsheet

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 took approximately 40 hours – 20 hours for coding and another 20 for testing and debugging. The creator stated the effort was worthwhile, given the impressive final product.

This remarkable Excel game boasts:

• A 90,000-cell map;
• Over 60 weapons;
• More than 50 enemies;
• Character and weapon upgrade systems;
• Three distinct character classes (tank, mage, assassin) with unique playstyles;
• Over 25 armor sets;
• Six NPCs with associated quests;
• Four different game endings.

While completely free to play, controlling the game requires keyboard shortcuts: CTRL + WASD for movement and CTRL + E for interactions. Reddit moderators have verified the file's safety, though users are advised to exercise caution due to the extensive use of macros.

Interestingly, some Elden Ring enthusiasts have noted the game's Erdtree bears a striking resemblance to a Christmas tree, particularly around Christmas Eve. Reddit user Independent-Design17 suggests the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda, may have served as inspiration. They highlighted the superficial similarity between the in-game Small Erdtrees and this real-world tree. Further comparisons draw parallels between the catacombs at the base of the Erdtree (where souls are guided in Elden Ring) and the Aboriginal Australian culture's view of Nuytsia as a "spirit tree," its vibrant colors associated with the sunset, the supposed path of spirits, and each flowering branch symbolizing a departed soul.