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 benefits.
Building a friendship with Willy is straightforward, rewarding players with helpful perks. Spend time chatting with him at his shop (weekdays), the docks (Saturdays), or the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Gifts significantly boost friendship levels.
Updated January 4, 2025, to reflect the 1.6 update and its impact on gift preferences.
Gift Guide
Giving Willy gifts is key. Remember his birthday (Summer 24) for an 8x friendship boost!
Loved Gifts (+80 friendship):
These are the best options. Some rare fish are challenging to catch, but pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. He also appreciates fishing-related books and valuable crafting materials.
- Fish: Catfish ![/uploads/46/1736153593677b99f9da830.png], Octopus ![/uploads/01/1736153594677b99fa52422.png], Sea Cucumber ![/uploads/04/1736153594677b99fa9c78b.png], Sturgeon ![/uploads/58/1736153595677b99fb07c89.png]
- Books: Jewels Of The Sea ![/uploads/76/1736153595677b99fb6509c.png], The Art O' Crabbing ![/uploads/19/1736153595677b99fbbbb57.png]
- Mead: ![/uploads/14/1736153596677b99fc2bac3.png] (Honey in a Keg)
- Gold Bar: ![/uploads/85/1736153596677b99fcaa227.png] (Gold Ore in Furnace)
- Iridium Bar: ![/uploads/87/1736153597677b99fd431f2.png] (Iridium Ore in Furnace)
- Diamond: ![/uploads/11/1736153597677b99fda2535.png] (Mines)
- Pumpkin: ![/uploads/87/1736153598677b99fe1ad09.png] (Fall Crop)
- Universal Loved Gifts
Liked Gifts (+45 friendship):
Good alternatives if Loved gifts are scarce. He enjoys most fish-based cooked dishes.
- Fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral)
- Fish: Lingcod ![/uploads/12/1736153598677b99fe6f4ba.png], Tiger Trout ![/uploads/71/1736153599677b99ff04c4b.png]
- Quartz ![/uploads/97/1736153599677b99ff6aa98.png]
- Bait And Bobber ![/uploads/35/1736153599677b99ffdfd9b.png]
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 (+150 friendship):
Willy posts requests on the "Help Wanted" board. Completing them rewards gold and friendship. 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 levels increase:
- 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)
