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 him offers significant advantages.
Befriending Willy is straightforward, rewarding generosity with valuable perks. Visit his shop (weekdays), or find him fishing (weekends and evenings). Remember his birthday (Summer 24) for an 8x friendship boost!
Gift Guide
Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship): These are Willy's favorites.
- High-Value Fish: Catfish
, Octopus 
, Sea Cucumber 
, Sturgeon 
- Fishing-Themed Books: Jewels of the Sea
, The Art O' Crabbing 
- High-Value Items: Mead
, Gold Bar 
, Iridium Bar 
, Diamond 
, Pumpkin 
- Universal Loved Gifts: (Check the game for the current list)
Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship): Good alternatives to Loved gifts.
- Fish-Based Cooked Dishes: (Excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll)
- Specific Fish: Lingcod
, Tiger Trout 
- Minerals: Quartz
- Fishing Supplies: Bait and Bobber
Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid these!
- Foraged Goods
- Non-Fish Cooked Dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universal Disliked/Hated Gifts (Except for fish; Willy is neutral towards most fish not listed above)
Quests (+150 Friendship & Gold):
Check the notice board for Willy's requests. Completing them rewards friendship and gold. Two special fishing challenges are sent via letter:
- Catch a Squid: (Winter 2, Year 1)
- Catch a Lingcod: (Winter 13, Year 2)
Friendship Perks:
Reaching friendship levels unlocks Willy's fishing-buff recipes:
- 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)
By following these tips, you can easily cultivate a strong friendship with Willy and reap the rewards!
