Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Willy
This guide delves into befriending Willy, a key character in Stardew Valley. Willy, a seasoned fisherman, provides early game assistance and offers valuable rewards for cultivating your friendship.
Building rapport with Willy is straightforward and yields significant benefits. Take time from farming to engage with him at his shop (weekdays), or while he fishes (weekends and evenings). Generosity plays a crucial role; gifting him demonstrates your appreciation. He particularly values rare aquatic finds.
Updated January 4, 2025: Willy's favorability list expanded with the 1.6 update, including several fishing-related books. This updated guide reflects these changes.
Gift Guide
Friendship in Stardew Valley thrives on generosity. Present gifts to Willy at his shop (most weekdays) or where he fishes. Evenings find him at the Stardrop Saloon or by the beach/river. Remember his birthday (Summer 24) – gifts on this day provide an 8x friendship boost.
Loved Gifts (+80 friendship points):
These top-tier gifts significantly enhance your friendship. Some, like certain fish, are challenging to obtain, but pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. He also appreciates books and valuable crafting materials.
- 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 points):
These are viable alternatives if loved gifts are scarce. Willy enjoys most seafood dishes; cook your catch and share the bounty.
- Cooked fish dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral towards these).
- Fish:
Lingcod, 
Tiger Trout 
Quartz
Bait and Bobber
Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid these to prevent friendship decreases.
- Foraged goods
- Non-fish cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universally disliked/hated gifts (except fish – neutral except for Liked/Loved fish)
Quests (+150 friendship points):
Willy occasionally posts requests on the "Help Wanted" board. Completing these earns gold and a friendship boost. He also sends two letters, challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks:
Willy reciprocates friendship with four fishing-buff recipes:
Chowder (3 hearts, +1 fishing)
Escargot (5 hearts, +2 fishing)
Fish Stew (7 hearts, +3 fishing)
Lobster Bisque (9 hearts, +3 fishing, +30 max energy)
