This guide explores befriending Willy, the kind-hearted fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable early contact, providing a fishing rod and supplies. Building a friendship with him offers significant advantages.

Befriending Willy is straightforward, offering rewards beyond simple friendship. Spend time fishing with him at the docks, and show your appreciation with gifts. He particularly values rare aquatic finds.

Updated January 4, 2025: Willy's fondness for gifts, especially with the 1.6 update, makes him an easy villager to befriend. Many new books related to fishing are now appreciated. This updated guide covers befriending Willy in the latest game version.

Gift Guide

Generosity is key to forging friendships in Stardew Valley. Present gifts to Willy at his shop (most weekdays), his Saturday fishing spot, or evenings at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river.

Remember Willy's birthday is Summer 24; gifts on this day provide an 8x friendship boost.

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship)

These top-tier gifts significantly boost friendship. Some, like rare fish, are challenging to obtain, but pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. He also appreciates books about fishing and valuable crafting 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)
• All universally loved gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship)

These are good alternatives if loved gifts are scarce. Willy enjoys most seafood dishes; cook your catch and share the bounty.

• 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 gifts to prevent friendship loss. Hated gifts are worse than disliked, but it's best to avoid all listed items.

• Foraged goods
• Non-fish-based cooked dishes
• Life Elixir
• Universally disliked gifts (except fish – neutral, excluding Liked/Loved)
• Universally hated gifts

Quests

Willy sometimes posts requests on the bulletin board outside Pierre's, offering gold and friendship points for completing them (150 friendship points per quest). 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 as friendship progresses:

• Chowder (3 hearts): +1 fishing, restores health and energy.
• Escargot (5 hearts): +2 fishing, restores health and energy.
• Fish Stew (7 hearts): +3 fishing, restores health and energy.
• Lobster Bisque (9 hearts): +3 fishing, restores health and energy, +30 max energy.