Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Willy

This guide explores befriending Willy, the kind-hearted fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable early contact, providing fishing supplies and crucial fishing knowledge. Building a strong relationship with him offers significant advantages.

Befriending Willy is straightforward and rewarding. Regular visits to his shop, coupled with thoughtful gifts, quickly build rapport. He particularly appreciates rare fish.

Updated January 4, 2025: With the 1.6 update, Willy's list of appreciated gifts expanded, including several fishing-themed books.

Gift Guide

Gift-giving is key to friendship in Stardew Valley. Find Willy at his shop (weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). His birthday (Summer 24) doubles gift effectiveness.

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship):

• Fish: Catfish , Octopus , Sea Cucumber , Sturgeon
• Books: Jewels Of The Sea , The Art O' Crabbing
• Mead: (Honey in a Keg)
• Gold Bar: (Gold Ore in Furnace)
• Iridium Bar: (Iridium Ore in Furnace)
• Diamond: (Mines)
• Pumpkin: (Fall crop)
• Universal Loved gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship):

• Fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll).
• Fish: Lingcod , Tiger Trout
• Quartz
• Bait And Bobber

Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid foraged goods, non-fish-based dishes, Life Elixir, and universal disliked/hated items (except for fish – he's neutral towards most fish not listed above).

Quests (+150 Friendship):

Willy posts quests on the bulletin board. Completing them rewards gold and friendship. He also sends two fishing challenges via letter: Catching a Squid (Winter 2, Year 1) and a Lingcod (Winter 13, Year 2).

Friendship Perks:

Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes at increasing friendship levels: Chowder (3 hearts), Escargot (5 hearts), Fish Stew (7 hearts), Lobster Bisque (9 hearts). These recipes boost fishing skill and restore health/energy.