A Reddit user, brightyh360, 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 hours for coding and 20 for testing and debugging. The creator states the accomplishment was well worth the effort.

This impressive recreation boasts:

• A sprawling 90,000-cell map.
• Over 60 weapons.
• More than 50 enemy types.
• Character and weapon upgrade systems.
• Three distinct character classes (tank, mage, assassin) with unique playstyles.
• 25+ armor sets.
• Six NPCs, each with their own 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 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 Erdtree sparked a holiday-themed discussion. Reddit user Independent-Design17 suggested the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda, as a possible inspiration for the in-game Erdtree's design. The user highlighted the striking visual similarities between the game's smaller Erdtrees and the Nuytsia. Furthermore, parallels exist between the game's lore (catacombs at the Erdtree's roots, leading to the souls of the dead) and Aboriginal beliefs associating Nuytsia with spirits, its vibrant colors linked to the sunset, the perceived pathway of spirits, and each flowering branch representing a departed soul.