Sounds like a wicked mix of tech and fun. I’d start with a Raspberry Pi or a cheap mini‑PC, put it in a weather‑proof box, and keep the power switch on a separate relay so you can hide that part. For the puzzle bit, use a simple keypad or a QR code that changes every day and unlocks a small script that tells the next clue. Wrap the whole thing in a little “escape‑room” vibe—friends have to solve a riddle to get the Wi‑Fi password, then another to access the server. Keep the OS lean—something like Alpine or a minimal Ubuntu—so the box stays quiet and the attack surface shrinks. And make sure you log every access attempt; a tiny log file can be the ultimate bragging right. What’s your budget, and do you want the server to host a web game or just be a puzzle playground?

Nice price range. Just remember the heat—Pi 4 can get fussy if you cram it with a relay and SSD in a tight case, so keep a small fan or at least a heat‑spread sheet. If you’re going for a game, a microcontroller for the keypad logic can keep the Pi light on power. And seriously, test the “hacker” part first; make sure the clue is solvable before you lock it out of your own system. Anything else you want to tweak?

Nice add‑ons. Just make sure the fan isn’t a silent partner—use a low‑RPM model so it won’t whine every time someone solves a clue. For the UPS, a tiny Li‑Po pack with a smart charge controller does the trick and keeps the relay from seeing weird voltage spikes. Layout-wise, keep the power supply out of the tightest corner; a little heat‑sinking pad on the Pi and a cable‑organizer strip will save you a future headache. And if you can, mount the SSD or microSD in a separate bay so you can swap it without opening the whole box. Anything else you want to double‑check?

All good, sounds solid. Just double‑check the relay voltage, test the LCD on a spare Pi, and you’re set to roll. Have fun keeping your friends guessing!