This guide delves into befriending Willy, the amiable fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a key early contact, providing your initial fishing rod and ongoing supplies. Building a strong relationship with him offers significant advantages.
Befriending Willy is straightforward, rewarding generosity with valuable perks. Visit his shop (weekdays), or find him fishing (weekends and evenings). Gifts significantly boost your friendship level, especially on his birthday (Summer 24 – 8x friendship points!).
Gift Guide
Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship Points): 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) - Universal Loved Gifts
Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship Points): Good alternatives to Loved gifts.
- Most fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral).
- Lingcod
, Tiger Trout 
- Quartz
- Bait And Bobber
Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid these!
- Foraged goods
- Non-fish-based cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universal disliked/hated gifts (except fish – neutral, unless specified above).
Quests (+150 Friendship Points): Complete his requests on the bulletin board for significant friendship boosts. He also sends two fishing challenges via letter (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks: Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as your friendship grows:
- 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, unlocking his valuable recipes and boosting your fishing success in Stardew Valley.
