This guide explores befriending Willy, the kindly fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable early connection, providing fishing gear and supplies. Befriending him offers significant advantages.
Building a friendship with Willy is straightforward and rewarding. Visit his shop (weekdays), or find him fishing (weekends and evenings). Gifts significantly boost your relationship. Rare fish are particularly appreciated.
Updated January 4, 2025: Willy's list of favored gifts expanded with the 1.6 update, including several fishing-related books.
Gift Guide
Gifts given on Willy's birthday (Summer 24) have an 8x friendship boost.
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)
- All universally loved gifts.
Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship):
- Most 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 cooked dishes, Life Elixir, universally disliked/hated items (except for fish – Willy is neutral towards most fish not listed above).
Quests:
Willy posts requests on the bulletin board. Completing them rewards gold and friendship points. He also sends two letters challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks:
Willy sends four fishing-buff recipes at increasing friendship levels: Chowder (3 hearts), Escargot (5 hearts), Fish Stew (7 hearts), Lobster Bisque (9 hearts). These recipes restore health and energy and provide significant fishing boosts.
