If you want to play multiplayer matches outside of Turf War, you’ll need to get to level 10 first. Here’s how to sprint to Ranked in Splatoon 2.

Just like in the first Splatoon, Ranked mode is a privilege afforded only to those who reach level 10. It’s not exactly a lofty goal, but it does take some time. And you’ll want to start working on Ranked quickly, because there’s now a new tier of matches above Ranked: League. League matches are only available once you score a B- or better in one of the three Ranked modes, so you have a long swim to the top to be able to experience all Splatoon 2 has to offer.

Fortunately, level 10 isn’t too difficult to reach if you’re focused on it and don’t waste your ink. Here are a few helpful tips for getting to level 10 as fast as you can:

Play Turf War like Turf War

Leveling up in Splatoon 2 is based on points you earn at the end of each match. These points are given out based on how much turf you inked that round, with extra bonuses for inking a minimum amount of turf (400p) and for winning. Winning, obviously, pays out higher dividends no matter what, but whether you win or lose, the key is to actually play Turf War like Turf War. That is: ink turf. A lot of it.

You might be surprised that this is apparently difficult advice to follow, but both during the Splatoon 2 review period and back when Splatoon was a thing, I witnessed countless people just squidding straight up to opponents for splats and ignoring enormous swaths of empty ground around them. Don’t be that squid.

Impulsive secret-finding

Ink as much turf as possible, and start in your own base. Teams love to leave big open areas on their own sides and run straight for the middle. Take some time to ink every inch of your entryway that you can find, then get to work painting your opponent’s turf over.

It also can be helpful to stay away from the group of squids fighting one another in the middle of the map and look for alternative paths into lesser-trodden areas. Consider using the Scout feature to explore maps before you play them and get to know all your options for movement around the stage. You can also use certain specials to throw ink up into your opponent’s base, or places you might not normally reach easily. Even if it gets inked over quickly, it stills counts for you!

Ditch the charger

To supplement that first one again, certain weapons are obviously better for turf coverage than combat. The splat charger? Not a great one. Toss it by the wayside and pick up a Splattershot, and Aerospray MG, or a Roller for the best ink coverage. You’ll have ample time to play around with the other weapons later in the game when ink coverage isn’t as important (Ranked mode!). Experiment to see which weapon gets the most mileage for you and stick to it like a squid to its fashion choices.

Bring friends along

Everything’s better with friends, especially now that Splatoon 2 has voice chat. A coordinated team performs far better than a bunch of randos on the internet, and you’re more likely to win matches even just by teaming up with one other person you can speak with to plan what you are going to do. If you have really nice (or gullible) friends you may even be able to bribe them into using low-ink weapons so you can just paint the entire map yourself, though that may not be a great strategy for that win bonus.

Try single player mode

I know I said “fast” path to level 10, but hear me out. You’re probably going to play single player mode anyway, and if you are, may as well do it before you start Turf Wars. The reason? You can get rewards in single player that will reduce the amount of time it takes to level up. The coupons you pick up can be taken to Crusty Sean in Inkopolis Square for both experience and gold bonuses, and will last depending on how many matches you play rather than on a timer.

Single player mode is also an incredible tool to help teach you about new weapons and get you familiar with the set-up of Splatoon 2. I especially recommend it if you’re new to the game, as it will make you a better player in both Turf War and Ranked and help you climb those ranks even faster once you get there.

Splatoon 2 launches on July 21st for Nintendo Switch.