This guide explores befriending Willy, the kindly old fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable ally, providing fishing supplies and boosting your fishing skills. Building a friendship with Willy offers significant advantages.
Befriending Willy is straightforward, involving gifts and completing his occasional requests. Rare fish are particularly appreciated. This updated guide (January 4, 2025) reflects the 1.6 update, including new book gifts.
Gift Guide
Gifts are best given at Willy's shop (weekdays), his Saturday fishing spot, or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river in the evenings. His birthday (Summer 24) multiplies gift effectiveness eightfold.
Loved Gifts (+80 friendship):
These top-tier gifts significantly boost friendship. While some (rare fish) are challenging to obtain, pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. Valuable crafting materials and fishing-themed books are also highly favored.
- 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 Universal Loved Gifts
Liked Gifts (+45 friendship):
These are excellent alternatives to Loved gifts. Willy appreciates most fish-based cooked dishes.
- 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 to prevent friendship loss.
- Foraged goods
- Non-fish cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- All Universal Disliked/Hated gifts (except fish – neutral, unless specified above)
Quests (+150 friendship):
Willy occasionally posts requests on the "Help Wanted" board. Completing these earns gold and friendship points. He also sends two fishing challenges via letter:
- Catch A Squid: (Winter 2, Year 1)
- Catch A Lingcod: (Winter 13, Year 2)
Friendship Perks:
Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as your friendship progresses:
- Chowder: (+1 fishing) (3 hearts)
- Escargot: (+2 fishing) (5 hearts)
- Fish Stew: (+3 fishing) (7 hearts)
- Lobster Bisque: (+3 fishing, +30 max energy) (9 hearts)
(Images of Chowder, Escargot, Fish Stew, Lobster Bisque)
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