Ready Player One

In the year 2045, Earth's urban landscapes are transformed into dilapidated slums, making life increasingly difficult for its inhabitants. Seeking solace and escape from their harsh realities, many people turn to the vast virtual world of the OASIS, a space where they can work, learn, and entertain themselves.

The late creator James Halliday devises an exciting challenge called Anorak's Quest, which is eagerly awaited by gamers. This quest involves finding a hidden Easter egg locked behind three keys, promising the winner ultimate ownership of the OASIS and significant rewards, compelling many to become 'Gunters'.

Innovative Online Industries (IOI), a major gaming corporation, seeks to gain control of the OASIS. Their CEO, Nolan Sorrento, employs an army of debt-controlled players known as the 'Sixers' to dominate Anorak's Quest in their bid for power.

Wade Watts, a 20-year-old orphan, lives in a slum in Columbus, Ohio, with his aunt. In the virtual realm, he takes on the persona of 'Parzival', where he engages in his quest to find Halliday's Easter egg, standing in stark contrast to his real-life struggles.

During his quest, Wade encounters a renowned player named Art3mis and rescues her from a fatal in-game incident. This event solidifies a budding partnership as they both navigate the challenges posed by the quest while exploring their relationship.

Wade delves into Halliday's life through the OASIS library, learning about his estrangement from partner Ogden Morrow. Discovering Halliday's regrets leads Wade to devise a strategy to achieve success in the race.

Using his newfound knowledge, Wade cleverly reverses his avatar at the start of the race, uncovering a hidden passage that allows him to secure the first key. This pivotal victory sets him and his friends, dubbed The High Five, on the path to becoming prominent competitors in Anorak's Quest.

After Wade and his friends achieve remarkable success, IOI becomes increasingly interested in discovering their true identities. This leads to dangerous interactions as they attempt to unseat The High Five and claim control of the OASIS.

Wade's refusal to join IOI results in a retaliation attack where his aunt and her boyfriend are tragically killed. This violent confrontation brings Wade closer to Art3mis as they seek safety and regroup with other Gunters.

In a dramatic encounter at the OASIS archives, Wade wins a bet against the Curator, gaining access to Halliday’s memories. This critical victory guides him towards the next quest, pushing him further into Halliday's complex history.

Wade and his friends face a chilling reimagining of The Shining as part of their next challenge. Successfully navigating this eerie virtual landscape earns them the second key and a vital clue indicating the final challenge resides in Castle Anorak.

Samantha is kidnapped by Zandor, prompting Wade and his allies—Aech, Daito, and Sho—to plan a rescue. They utilize their skills collaboratively, employing a strategy to bypass the Sixers and save her from captivity.

In a high-stakes showdown, Wade and the Sixers must accurately identify Halliday's favorite game to proceed. With time running out, the pressure mounts as incorrect guesses could result in dire consequences for all players involved.

Wade discovers the true purpose of Anorak's Quest by unearthing Adventure's own Easter egg. Successfully claiming the final key permits him entry to Castle Anorak, where he faces Halliday's essence and his monumental decision.

Wade ultimately chooses to manage the OASIS rather than eliminate it, leading to IOI's downfall and restructuring. Together with Samantha, they decide to promote responsible engagement with the real world by frequently shutting down the OASIS.