This guide delves into befriending Willy, the amiable fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable ally, offering fishing advice and supplies. Building a friendship with him yields significant benefits.
Befriending Willy is straightforward, primarily through gift-giving. Locate him at his shop (weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Remember his birthday (Summer 24) – gifts then have an 8x friendship boost.
Gift Guide
Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship): These are Willy's favorites.
- 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): Good alternatives to Loved gifts.
- Cooked fish dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral).
- Fish: Lingcod
, Tiger Trout 
- Quartz
- Bait and Bobber
Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid these.
- Foraged goods
- Non-fish cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universally disliked/hated gifts (except for fish – neutral, unless specified above).
Quests (+150 Friendship): Complete bulletin board requests for gold and friendship. Willy also sends two fishing challenges (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks: Willy shares fishing buff recipes at increasing friendship levels:
- 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!
