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, offering benefits beyond simple companionship. Combine farming with fishing trips to the docks, presenting gifts as a gesture of goodwill. He particularly appreciates rare aquatic finds!

Updated January 4, 2025: Willy's extensive list of favored gifts expands with the 1.6 update, including several fishing-related books. This guide reflects the latest version.

Gift Guide

Friendship in Stardew Valley thrives on generosity. Give Willy gifts at his shop (most weekdays), while fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). His birthday (Summer 24) amplifies gift effects (8x).

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship):

These top-tier gifts significantly boost friendship. Some, like rare fish, are challenging to obtain, but pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. He also appreciates books 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 Furnace)
• Iridium Bar (Iridium Ore in Furnace)
• Diamond (Mines)
• Pumpkin (Fall Crop)
• All universally loved gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship):

These are suitable alternatives if loved gifts are scarce. Willy enjoys most seafood dishes; cook your catch and share the bounty!

• Cooked fish dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral)
• Fish: Lingcod, Tiger Trout
• Quartz
• Bait and Bobber

Disliked & Hated Gifts:

Avoid these to prevent friendship loss. Hated gifts are worse than disliked, but generally steer clear of:

• Foraged goods
• Non-seafood cooked dishes
• Life Elixir
• Universally disliked gifts (except fish – neutral, except for Liked/Loved)
• Universally hated gifts

Quests (+150 Friendship):

Willy posts requests on the bulletin board outside Pierre's, rewarding gold and friendship points upon completion. He also sends two letters with fishing challenges:

• Catch a Squid (Winter 2, Year 1)
• Catch a Lingcod (Winter 13, Year 2)

Friendship Perks:

Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as friendship increases:

• 3 Hearts: Chowder (+1 Fishing)
• 5 Hearts: Escargot (+2 Fishing)
• 7 Hearts: Fish Stew (+3 Fishing)
• 9 Hearts: Lobster Bisque (+3 Fishing, +30 Max Energy)

This comprehensive guide ensures a successful friendship with Willy, unlocking his valuable rewards and enhancing your Stardew Valley experience.