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

Befriending Willy is straightforward, rewarding generosity with substantial friendship gains. Spend time chatting with him at his shop (weekdays), the docks (Saturdays), or the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Remember his birthday (Summer 24) for an 8x friendship boost!

Gift Guide

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship): These are top choices, though some require effort.

• High-Value Fish: Catfish (), Octopus (), Sea Cucumber (), Sturgeon ()
• Fishing-Themed Books: Jewels Of The Sea (), The Art O' Crabbing ()
• Mead: () (Made with Honey in a Keg)
• Gold Bar: () (Smelted Gold Ore)
• Iridium Bar: () (Smelted Iridium Ore)
• Diamond: () (Found in Mines)
• Pumpkin: () (Grown in Fall)
• Universal Loved Gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship): Good alternatives if Loved gifts are scarce.

• Fish-Based Cooked Dishes: (Except Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – he's neutral to these)
• Fish: Lingcod (), Tiger Trout ()
• Quartz: ()
• Bait and Bobber: ()

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

• Foraged Goods
• Non-fish Cooked Dishes
• Life Elixir
• Universal Disliked/Hated Gifts (except fish; Willy is neutral towards most fish, except those listed above)

Quests & Rewards:

Willy occasionally posts quests on the notice board. Completing these earns gold and significant friendship points (150). He also sends two letters challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid, Lingcod), rewarding you with gold and friendship hearts.

Friendship Perks:

Reaching friendship milestones unlocks four unique fishing-buff recipes from Willy: Chowder (), Escargot (), Fish Stew (), and Lobster Bisque (). These provide health, energy, and increasingly powerful fishing buffs.