Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Willy

This guide details how to befriend Willy, the kindly old fisherman in Stardew Valley. Befriending him offers valuable fishing benefits.

Willy, a key early contact, provides your initial fishing rod and ongoing supplies. Building a relationship with him is straightforward, rewarding generosity with significant advantages. Focus on gifting him rare aquatic finds.

Updated January 4, 2025: Willy's favored gifts expanded with the 1.6 update, including several fishing-related books.

Gift Guide

Gift Willy at his shop (weekdays), or while he fishes (Saturdays/evenings). His birthday (Summer 24) multiplies friendship gains eightfold.

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):

• 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 dishes, Life Elixir, universally disliked/hated items (except for fish – Willy is neutral towards most fish not listed above).

Quests (+150 Friendship):

Willy posts requests on the bulletin board. Completing them rewards gold and friendship. He also sends two letters challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).

Friendship Perks:

Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes at increasing friendship levels: Chowder (+1 fishing), Escargot (+2 fishing), Fish Stew (+3 fishing), Lobster Bisque (+3 fishing, +30 max energy).