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

Befriending Willy is straightforward, offering significant advantages. Spend time chatting with him at his shop (most weekdays), or where he fishes (Saturdays, evenings at the Stardrop Saloon, beach, or river). Gifts significantly boost friendship; rarer aquatic items are particularly appreciated.

Updated January 4, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: Willy's extensive list of favored gifts expands with the 1.6 update, including fishing-related books. This updated guide reflects these changes.

Gift Guide

Generosity is key to friendship in Stardew Valley. Remember Willy's birthday (Summer 24) – gifts given then have an 8x friendship boost.

Loved Gifts (+80 friendship): These top choices include hard-to-find fish, but pumpkins and mead are readily obtainable. He also appreciates fishing-related books 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): Alternatives if Loved gifts are scarce. He enjoys most fish-based dishes.

• Fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral towards these).
• Fish: Lingcod (), Tiger Trout ()
• Quartz ()
• Bait And Bobber ()

Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid these to prevent friendship loss.

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

Quests: Willy sometimes posts requests on the "Help Wanted" board, rewarding gold and friendship points upon completion. He also sends two letters with fishing challenges.

Friendship Perks: Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as your friendship progresses.

This comprehensive guide ensures you maximize your friendship with Willy and reap the rewards.