Willy's Way to Friendship in Stardew Valley

This guide delves into befriending Willy, the amiable fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a key early contact, providing a fishing rod and essential supplies. Building a friendship with him offers significant advantages.

Updated January 4, 2025: This guide reflects the 1.6 update, including new books Willy appreciates.

Gift Guide

Gifts are crucial for boosting friendship. Find Willy at his shop (weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). His birthday (Summer 24) multiplies gift effectiveness eightfold.

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship)

These top-tier gifts significantly increase 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)
• Universal Loved Gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship)

Solid alternatives to Loved gifts:

• Fish-based Cooked Dishes: (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll)
• Fish: Lingcod , Tiger Trout
• Quartz:
• Bait and Bobber:

Disliked & Hated Gifts

Avoid these to prevent friendship loss:

• 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 (+150 Friendship)

Willy posts requests on the bulletin board. Completing these earns gold and friendship. He also sends two fishing challenges via letter:

• Catch a Squid: (Winter 2, Year 1)
• Catch a Lingcod: (Winter 13, Year 2)

Friendship Perks

Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes:

• Chowder: (+1 Fishing) (3 Hearts)
• Escargot: (+2 Fishing) (5 Hearts)
• Fish Stew: (+3 Fishing) (7 Hearts)
• Lobster Bisque: (+3 Fishing, +30 Max Energy) (9 Hearts)

This comprehensive guide will help you cultivate a strong friendship with Willy and reap the rewards!