basic sorceress build

[Hammerskjold]

I haven't played D2 in ages. I've started a sorceress in the non-expansion D2 single player mode (v.1.13). Can someone point me to a basic build for a sorceress which will allow me to complete all 3 difficulty levels? I just want the basics of how to allocated character points and skill points.

Unfortunately most guides are now on expansion D2. There's stil the AmazonBasin forum that has Classic D2 section iirc.

My theory for now is to get str to 20 (so I can eventually wear a demonhide sash and therefore eventually have 16 pots) and put the rest into energy on the assumption that I'll eventually get MS so vitality is unnecessary.

IMO, no. In D1 vitality is not super important. In D2 it's the reverse. And the way MS works in D2 compared to D1, I'd personally wouldn't rely on it too much. I don't recall if there was a bug in MS, but if you're referring to the way it works in D2, iirc it's working as intended.

In terms of spells, I've been trying to save up so that pretty much all the points will go into Firewall, Chain Lightening and Frozen orb (I need one of each in case of double immunes--is that right?). I've put a couple into warmth, I'll put one into teleport, MS and one into each of the masteries

I've had a classic D2 sorceress very similar to this once. And Firewall can be a chore to use sometimes. Monsters can be very fast, and you usually have to cast it in a certain way (perpendicular, then get them to follow the 'line' instead of just crossing it). FBall or even Blaze might be more efficient. Unless you reeeaaaaly enjoy using Fwall. (I found it tedious after a while.)

Frozen Orb is popular for a good reason. Even with just one point in Cold Mastery it's serviceable. CL will probably need some mastery boosting to increase it's damage.

and remember that I don't plan on playing this enough to get great items, what am I looking to get in terms of items. I'm thinking some staff of faster cast, armor and helm with resists, and jewlery to get more resists and maybe some fast cast. Does that work?

Yep. Don't overlook some cube recipes that still applies to D2 classic as well.

Should I try to use socketed items for something. I'd guess either drop the staff and use a shield with 3 diamonds

That can and has worked for a lot of players too.

if somehow possible, use skulls in helms or armor for faster mana and health regeneration

I've tried this many a times. And I'd personally say, don't bother. At least not with a sorceress in Classic. Drinking mana juice (that iirc is now sold in stores) is much quicker. Go for it if you really want to, or love the black look. But don't expect a mutant healing factor or super fast mana regen just by skulled clothing.

Do I need high AC?

IMO, no.