This guide explores befriending Willy, the kind-hearted fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable early connection, providing fishing gear and supplies. Building a friendship with him offers significant benefits.
Befriending Willy is straightforward; visit his shop (weekdays), the docks (Saturdays), or the Stardrop Saloon (evenings) to give him gifts. His birthday is Summer 24th – gifts given then have an 8x friendship boost.
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:
(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): Good alternatives to Loved gifts.
- 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 these.
- Foraged goods
- Non-fish-based cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universally disliked/hated gifts (except fish – neutral, unless specified above).
Quests (+150 Friendship): Complete bulletin board requests for gold and friendship. Two letters challenge you to catch specific fish (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks: Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as friendship increases:
- 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 and reap the rewards.
