WoW, Casually: Introducing a column for the playtime-challenged

Each week, Robin Torres writes WoW, Casually for the player who has 2 hours or less to play at a time.

I've got a lot on my plate. We are currently undergoing the reunion of the two long lost brothers. My toddler just turned into a preschooler. I've got this writing gig (yay!) and yarn to manipulate and all that real life routine stuff to do. I really don't have too much time to get my WoW fix in. So I go out of my way to optimize my WoW minutes and I know there are a lot of you out there like me.

This is the first of a new weekly column for those casual players who can only play for an hour or two at a time. I'll be including the parts of the event schedule that are casual-friendly and giving tips on how to squeeze the most fun out of your limited gaming time.

This week, the Call to Arms is for Warsong Gulch. That means that from November 2nd (or midnight November 1st), until Tuesday, November 5th, the honor and rep gains from Warsong Gulch are increased. It also usually means that there are lots of people playing so queue times are down if they exist at all.

Battlegrounds in general and WSG in particular are great for casual players. You don't have to spend time looking for a group and you can get in via any big city, so travel time is usually just a hearthstone away. Because Warsong Gulch is only 10 players to a team, the queues are usually shorter than other BGs. The games tend to be pretty short, though I have found myself in some lengthy games due to some people purposely hiding with the flag. Also, you can start playing Warsong Gulch from level 10 which is great for those of us with altitis.

Next week the Darkmoon Faire is in Terrokar Forest. It's up from Monday, November 5th till the following Monday. If you've got the bank space, the Darkmoon Faire is a great place to turn in crafted bits and body parts you've been collecting over the month in return for rep and gear. If you are a leatherworker, blacksmith or engineer, your crafted goods can be turned in for tickets which can be redeemed for some very nice prizes. Or you could collect the drops off of mobs and turn those in for tickets as well. The drops that can be turned in are:

• Small Furry Paws

• Torn Bear Pelts

• Soft Bushy Tails

• Vibrant Plumes

• Evil Bat Eyes

• Glowing Scorpid Blood

Be warned: the best prizes require 1200 tickets, but there are some goodies for 50 tickets or less. If you miss this Darkmoon Faire, it will be appearing next month in Elwynn Forest.

In future weeks, along with casual-friendly events, I will be giving tips for the Fishing Tournament, maximizing your rest, managing your playtime, etc. I'll also be highlighting quests and activities that are good for gearing out your character on a time budget.

Until next week, may your WoW time be fun time.

Robin Torres plays World of Warcraft for fun and hopes you do, too.