Hey, we get it. However this website is run by and for the community... and it needs ads in order to keep running.
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I go straight to the middle, spread some ink around there and usually engage the enemy. If I win the fight, I spread more ink to get the bubble and move towards their base. If I lose the fight, I start filling in the gaps around spawn and move back to the middle.
I'm facing the same decision. Didn't have the option to pre-purchase in the UK either. I'm guessing it's the US that had the option but could be wrong.