It's been few years but anyway.
My first encounter was with Linux Game Server Manager. As you mentioned you are new to servers/homelab you might enjoy it. If you are looking to just host 1 or 2 servers , go with LGSM.
Few years ago(atleat 5 years ago) i was using OGP(Open Game Panel) which was perfect for my requirement back then.
Pterodactyl is very much recommended everywhere although i am yet to try it.
It really depends on what you intend to do with them. New ? Start with LGSM, try to learn what are your requirements and whether LGSM is able to fulfill it. if not then time to learn something new again.
Good luck
Choose either or with or many upto you.
Tailscale, Wireguard server, zerotier, Cloudflare Tunnels
My primary are Tailscale for LAN only applications on cloud and home. Cloudflare tunnels for access over internet for some applications.
Mainly i stick with Tailcsale but for few applications to share with friends and family whom i don't want to have the access of the whole Tailscale network so CF tunnel with Zero Trust authentication on all applications with OCID hosted at home (Authentik)
Currently working on deploying Headscale (Self hosted Tailscale) to have complete control over my network rather than relying on Tailscale Control node.