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?