The mission was to unite the passionate online gaming community and the dedicated STASH community in common cause. Together, they quested to unlock video game investments for all by conquering a grueling video-game themed alternate reality game (ARG)—filled to the brim with retro references and fan service.

On the 29th day of March 2018—the release date of Ready Player One—the Vault URL was leaked across the internet. The rush was on. Players across the entire country worked together on Reddit, Discord, YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and Twitter in search of victory.

Over the course of 8 weeks, they toiled—solving back-breaking riddle after riddle. Throughout the struggle, allies and villains controlled by STASH, chatted and interacted with the players live 24/7. Red herrings abounded. Solutions were scarce. But in the end, determination led the Fellowship of the Vault to the final riddle... And one brave hero conquered the Vault, claiming the $5,000 prize.

Players were fanatical, spending a year's worth of time over the course of two weeks. The winner even wrote a guide for how the game was solved—or... you can give it a try yourself (see links section nearby).

The series continues as players continue to work together via Discord server on The Vault 1.5—a holdover until The Vault 2 is released.