Unveiling the Secret: Befriend Willy in Stardew Valley

This guide delves into befriending Willy, the amiable fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a key contact early on, providing your initial fishing rod and ongoing supplies. Building a friendship with him offers significant advantages.

Updated January 4, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: Willy, a charming older character, is surprisingly easy to befriend due to his extensive list of favored gifts, expanded with the 1.6 update. Many new books related to fishing are now among his appreciated gifts.

Gift Guide

Gift-giving is paramount in Stardew Valley. Find Willy at his shop (most weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Remember his birthday is Summer 24 – gifts then have an 8x friendship boost.

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship)

These top-tier gifts significantly increase friendship. Some, like rare fish, require effort, but pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. He also appreciates fishing-related books and valuable materials.

• Fish: , , ,
• Books: ,
• (Honey in a Keg)
• (Gold Ore in Furnace)
• (Iridium Ore in Furnace)
• (Mines)
• (Fall crop)
• All universally loved gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship)

Good alternatives if loved gifts are scarce. Willy enjoys most fish-based dishes.

• Fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral)
• Fish: ,
• 
• 

Disliked & Hated Gifts

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

• Foraged goods
• Non-fish-based cooked dishes
• Life Elixir
• Universally disliked gifts (except fish – neutral, except for liked/loved)
• Universally hated gifts

Quests

Willy posts requests on the bulletin board outside Pierre's, offering gold and 150 friendship points for completion. 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 more gold and another friendship heart.

Friendship Perks

Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes:

• 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 ensures you can successfully cultivate a strong friendship with Willy, unlocking his valuable rewards and enhancing your Stardew Valley experience.