In 2045, with the world on the brink of chaos and collapse, people find salvation in the OASIS, a vast virtual reality universe created by the brilliant and eccentric James Halliday. When Halliday dies, he leaves his immense fortune and the control of the Oasis to the winner of a three-part contest he has designed to find a worthy heir. This sets off a global race among Oasis users to solve the puzzle by finding three keys which lead to the ultimate Easter egg.

The protagonist, a young and talented Oasis user, joins the race and quickly becomes one of the contenders, diving into a fantastical world of discovery and danger. The search for the Easter egg sparks a fierce competition which draws the attention of a massive, ruthless corporation, whose CEO is determined to take control of the OASIS by any means necessary. This contest of high stakes tests the protagonist's wit, determination, and the bonds with friends in the virtual universe against the overpowering resources of the corporate enemy.