long ago, like 4 years or so, i first started HC after player SC
wasn’t so hard for me, because, despite not knowing “everything”, i did have a base grasp on defences like resist being important, DA is nice etc - and i made a sword and shield battlemage (stupid tanky class) and went mega wuss mode, stacking tons of defensive devotions i didn’t need, like turtle and obelisk
it was a horrible experience “just wanting to get through HC”, because going so heavily on defences ensured my play was slow and, very, slow
made a primal strike warder instead eventually, obv fairly beefy class too, but, i didnt’ go so absurd on the defences as the first guy, and actually had fun despite it all, (+primal strike is ofc very entertaining to level with)
i think the key is really to understand the base mechanics (resist etc), since just knowing those basic things make HC a lot simpler
now, years later, still dont’ know “everything”, but i know a lot more for sure, i can whip up a HC character once in a blue moon, but with lots less “effort” and much quicker
think my point, if there even is any, is, that while i totally get the "wont copy/follow builds"mindset, i don’t think there is anything wrong/you shouldnt’ rob yourself of not looking up fundamental (helpful) mechanics knowledge,
learning “everything”/or just “most” things purely from game feedback might just put needless bloat or waste time on your gameplay that in actuality you didn’t need, if you just looked up the “game guide”(posted by devs) ex on combat or the mechanics guide/stat guide we had showcasing ex good target amount for resists or even health and such Guide: Recommended stats for end game or Required Stats from Equipment during Levelling
game will still have plenty of room and time to screw you over and give you "wtf"moments despite it all/“covering your bases” using this information, but having some of the “standard” information, for HC plays, def (potentially) makes it a lot more enjoyable experience, maybe faster too, YMMV ofc 