Willy Befriended in Stardew Valley

Author: Dylan Feb 02,2025

This guide explores befriending Willy, the kindly fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable early connection, providing fishing gear and supplies. Befriending him offers significant benefits.

Willy's Portrait

Building a friendship with Willy is straightforward. Find him at his shop (most weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Gifts significantly boost friendship, especially on his birthday (Summer 24 – 8x effect).

Gift Guide

Willy's Shop

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship):

  • 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):

  • Most fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral).
  • Fish: Lingcod (), Tiger Trout ()
  • Quartz ()
  • Bait and Bobber ()

Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid foraged goods, non-fish cooked dishes, Life Elixir, universally disliked/hated items (except fish – neutral unless specified above).

Quests: Willy posts requests on the bulletin board, rewarding gold and 150 friendship points upon completion. He also sends two letters challenging fish catches (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).

Willy's Recipes

Friendship Perks: Willy sends four 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)

This comprehensive guide ensures a successful friendship with Willy, unlocking his valuable rewards and enhancing your Stardew Valley experience.