Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Willy

This guide delves into 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.

Updated January 4, 2025: This guide reflects the 1.6 update, including new books appreciated by Willy.

Gift Guide

Gifts are crucial for boosting friendship. Find Willy at his shop (weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). His birthday (Summer 24) multiplies gift effectiveness eightfold.

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship)

These top-tier gifts significantly increase friendship. Some require effort (rare fish), but pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. Willy also appreciates fishing-related books and valuable 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)
• Universal Loved Gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship)

Solid alternatives if Loved gifts are scarce. Willy enjoys most seafood dishes.

• Fish-based Cooked 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.

• Foraged Goods
• Non-fish Cooked Dishes
• Life Elixir
• Universal Disliked/Hated Gifts (except fish – neutral, unless specified above)

Quests

Willy posts requests on the notice board. Completing them rewards gold and friendship points. He also sends two fishing challenges via letter:

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

Friendship Perks

Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as friendship progresses:

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

This comprehensive guide ensures you maximize your friendship with Willy and reap the rewards!