I checked some build sites, but most seem softcore-focused. Any alternate recommendations?

Hydra is great for checking around doors and corners for monsters.

Static helps merc against immunes other than lightning and is great for bosses.

Orb slows monsters.

Those are the skills i use in hc with sorceress. Unless i fight specific items that warrant use of lightning.

the build is the same for softcore and hardcore

Been doing ssf hc grail with fortitude nova sorc.

That's weird hope you find viper soon