This guide focuses on befriending Willy, a key character in Stardew Valley. Willy, a seasoned fisherman, is an early contact for players, providing a fishing rod and essential supplies. Building a strong friendship with him offers significant advantages.
Befriending Willy is straightforward, primarily through gift-giving. Find him at his shop (weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). His birthday, Summer 24th, maximizes gift impact (8x effect).
Gift Guide
Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship): These are the most effective gifts.
- Fish: Catfish (
), Octopus (
), Sea Cucumber (
), Sturgeon (
) - Books: Jewels Of The Sea (
), The Art O' Crabbing (
) - Mead: (
) (Made with Honey in a Keg) - Gold Bar: (
) (From Gold Ore in a Furnace) - Iridium Bar: (
) (From Iridium Ore in a Furnace) - Diamond: (
) (Found in Mines) - Pumpkin: (
) (Grown in Fall) - Universal Loved Gifts: (Check a complete gift guide for specifics)
Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship): Good alternatives to Loved gifts.
- Fish-based Cooked Dishes: (Except Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral)
- Fish: Lingcod (
), Tiger Trout (
) - Quartz: (
) - Bait and Bobber: (
)
Disliked/Hated Gifts: Avoid these. They decrease friendship.
- Foraged goods
- Non-fish-based cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universal disliked/hated gifts (except fish – Willy is neutral towards most fish not listed above)
Quests: Completing Willy's requests on the bulletin board rewards gold and 150 friendship points. He also sends two fishing challenges via letter (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks: Reaching friendship levels unlocks four fishing-buff recipes from Willy: Chowder (3 hearts), Escargot (5 hearts), Fish Stew (7 hearts), Lobster Bisque (9 hearts).
