This guide delves into the rewarding experience of befriending Willy, the amiable fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a key early contact, providing your initial fishing rod and ongoing supplies. Building a friendship with Willy offers significant advantages. Let's explore how to cultivate this valuable relationship.
Befriending Willy is straightforward and yields surprising benefits. Take a break from farming, visit Willy at his shop (most weekdays), or find him fishing (Saturdays, evenings at the Stardrop Saloon, beach, or river). Show your appreciation with thoughtful gifts. Rare fish are particularly well-received!
Updated January 4, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: Willy's charm is undeniable, and his extensive list of favored gifts makes him an easy friend to make. The 1.6 update further expanded this list, adding several fishing-related books. This updated guide covers befriending Willy in the latest game version.
Gift Guide
Generosity is key to forging friendships in Stardew Valley. Present Willy with a gift during your visits. Remember, his birthday is Summer 24 – gifts on this day have an 8x friendship boost.
Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship Points)
These top-tier gifts significantly improve your relationship with Willy. While some, like certain rare fish, require effort, pumpkins and mead are readily accessible options. He also appreciates books on fishing and valuable crafting materials.
- 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 the Furnace) - Iridium Bar (
) (Iridium Ore in the Furnace) - Diamond (
) (Mines) - Pumpkin (
) (Fall Crop) - All universally loved gifts
Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship Points)
If obtaining Loved gifts proves challenging, these are excellent alternatives. Willy enjoys most seafood dishes; prepare your catch and share the bounty.
- Cooked fish dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, and Maki Roll – neutral reaction)
- Fish: Lingcod (
), Tiger Trout (
) - Quartz (
) - Bait And Bobber (
)
Disliked & Hated Gifts
Avoid these gifts to prevent friendship decreases. Hated gifts are particularly detrimental.
- Foraged goods
- Cooked non-seafood dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universally disliked gifts (except fish – neutral reaction, excluding Liked/Loved fish)
- Universally hated gifts
Quests
Willy occasionally posts requests on the Help Wanted board outside Pierre's, offering gold and friendship points (150) as rewards. He also sends two letters with fishing challenges:
- Catch A Squid: (Winter 2, Year 1) Rewards gold and 1 friendship heart.
- Catch A Lingcod: (Winter 13, Year 2) Rewards gold and another friendship heart.
Friendship Perks
Willy's culinary skills provide substantial fishing buffs through four unique recipes he sends as your friendship grows:
- Chowder: (3 hearts) +1 fishing buff.
- Escargot: (5 hearts) +2 fishing buff.
- Fish Stew: (7 hearts) +3 fishing buff.
- Lobster Bisque: (9 hearts) +3 fishing buff, +30 max energy.
This comprehensive guide equips you to maximize your friendship with Willy and reap the rewards!
