Friends aren't just useful in the "real world". As with almost everything in life, its not what you know, its who you know! In World of Warcraft this is especially true, and believe it or not you can find people that not only are able to level your character for you, but you can find people who need to level you!

Lets start at the beginning: I'm talking about "twinking". Basically, a high level character will take your character by the hand, through dungeons and zones far too difficult for you, and help you kill critters. The end result? Tons of experience points... and best of all, some crazy good loot that'll help you keep on leveling fast days and weeks after just one twink session.

You don't have to sell your soul to get this. You don't have to beg, you don't have to plead, you don't have to make a fool of yourself (even though many do).

Simply find a guild that has at least a small population of high level characters, and make friends. Don't suck up and follow them around like a puppy, just participate, be friendly, and enjoy yourself while helping others do the same.

Just make friends.

Before you know it these people will offer to level you up. Wha? Why, you ask? Because many guilds are desperate for higher level players!

You're actually (and unsurprisingly) not very much use to your guild as a level 40 warrior with a poor set of gear. Your guild wants you... nay... needs you to be a level 80 killing machine that will help THEM get the gear THEY want from end game zones & instances. You see, its all about them and the gear they want, not yours... its just a very handy and happy coincidence that you can both help each other out with your respective goals!

How do you find a good guild?

Here's a few pointers - you'll often hear guilds being advertised in the large population centers like Ogrimmar and Ironforge. Stay away from them! If a guild is being advertised, they likely don't have players.

Instead, keep an eye out for guild names with powerful looking players, and look to make friendships with their lower level players before you ask about their guild, or ask about joining.

Be sure to ask plenty of questions, for your benefit & theirs -- things like:

How large is your guild?
How many high level characters are in the guild?
Are you running high level instances and quests?
Are you a PvE or PvP guild, or both? (stay away from PvP only)
What kind of players have you got? (this question will draw out problems or disgruntled player's opinions if they're not happy with the leadership or player base - and you don't want to join a group of people you don't get along with!)

These questions will help you determine if they are in fact a good guild to join, and will let them know that you're a reasonable, intelligent and serious player looking for a long term guild.

So, my big (and almost secret its that little spoken about) tip for getting friends, gear, and lots of fast experience in World of Warcraft, is, "join a guild, and make friends."

And you know what the really cool part is? You might actually make some "real" friends out of the exercise!