A Reddit user, brightyh360, has created a remarkable recreation of Elden Ring's top-down view entirely within Microsoft Excel. This impressive feat, taking approximately 40 hours (20 hours coding, 20 hours testing and debugging), utilizes formulas, spreadsheets, and VBA. The user states the result was well worth the effort.

The impressive in-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);
• 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 interaction. Reddit moderators have verified the file's safety, but 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, prompting speculation about its inspiration. User Independent-Design17 suggests the Australian Christmas tree, Nuytsia floribunda, as a possible model, pointing to striking visual similarities between the in-game Small Erd Trees and this real-world counterpart. Further parallels exist in cultural interpretations: Elden Ring's Erd Tree roots contain catacombs leading to the souls of the dead, mirroring the Aboriginal Australian view of 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.