Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Willy

This guide is part of a larger Stardew Valley resource: Stardew Valley: A Complete Guide and Walkthrough

Willy, the seasoned fisherman with a kind heart, is a key early contact in Stardew Valley. He provides your initial fishing rod, imparts fishing expertise, and offers ongoing supply access.

Building a friendship with Willy is straightforward and offers significant advantages. Strengthening relationships is central to Stardew Valley; take a break from farming, fish with Willy at the docks, and present a thoughtful gift. He particularly appreciates rare aquatic finds!

Updated January 4, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: While a bit quirky, Willy is remarkably easy to befriend due to his extensive list of favored gifts, expanded by the 1.6 update. Numerous books, primarily fishing-related, are now accepted as Loved or Liked gifts. Here's a complete guide to befriending Willy in the latest game version.

Gift Guide

Friendship in Stardew Valley thrives on generosity. Give Willy gifts at his shop (most weekdays), or while he's fishing (Saturdays). Evenings find him at the Stardrop Saloon or fishing at the beach/river.

Remember, Willy's birthday is Summer 24. Gifts given that day provide an 8x friendship boost.

Loved Gifts

These gifts grant an 80-point friendship increase. Some, like rare fish, are challenging to obtain, but pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. He also cherishes books expanding his fishing knowledge and valuable crafting materials.

• Fish: , , ,
• Books: ,
• (Honey in a Keg)
• (Gold Ore in the Furnace)
• (Iridium Ore in the Furnace)
• (Mines)
• (Fall crop)
• All universally loved gifts

Liked Gifts

These are suitable alternatives if Loved gifts are scarce. Willy enjoys most seafood dishes; cook your catch and share the bounty. Each provides a 45-point friendship boost.

• All fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, and Maki Roll – neutral reaction)
• Fish: ,
• 
• 

Disliked & Hated Gifts

Avoid these to prevent friendship loss. Hated gifts are worse than disliked, but it's best to steer clear of all the following:

• All foraged goods
• All non-fish-based cooked dishes
• Life Elixir
• All universally disliked gifts (except fish; Willy is neutral towards all fish except those listed as Liked or Loved)
• All universally hated gifts

Quests

Willy may post requests on the "Help Wanted" board (outside Pierre's) for specific items or fishing challenges. Completing these tasks and speaking to Willy rewards gold and 150 friendship points.

Two letters from Willy present additional 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's culinary skills are surprisingly impressive, providing four fishing-buff recipes:

• (3 hearts): +1 fishing buff.
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