This guide explores befriending Willy, the kind-hearted fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable ally, providing fishing supplies and offering helpful advice. Building a strong friendship with Willy unlocks significant benefits.
Forming a friendship with Willy is straightforward. Visit his shop (weekdays), or find him fishing (Saturdays and evenings). Gifts are key to boosting your relationship. Willy particularly appreciates rare fish and valuable items.
Updated January 4, 2025: With the 1.6 update, several new books related to fishing have been added to Willy's list of favored gifts.
Gift Guide
Remember, Willy's birthday is Summer 24th. Gifts given on this day provide an 8x friendship boost.
Loved Gifts (+80 friendship points):
- Rare Fish: Catfish, Octopus, Sea Cucumber, Sturgeon. These can be challenging to catch, but the reward is significant.
- Fishing Books: Jewels of the Sea, The Art O' Crabbing. These show Willy you share his passion.
- High-Value Items: Mead, Gold Bar, Iridium Bar, Diamond, Pumpkin. These demonstrate generosity.
- Universally Loved Gifts: Any items universally appreciated by villagers.
Liked Gifts (+45 friendship points):
- Fish Dishes: Most cooked dishes featuring fish (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, and Maki Roll).
- Specific Fish: Lingcod, Tiger Trout.
- Quartz: A readily available mineral.
- Bait and Bobber: Essential fishing supplies.
Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid foraged goods, non-fish dishes, Life Elixir, universally disliked items (except fish where he's neutral), and universally hated items.
Quests & Friendship Perks: Completing Willy's requests on the bulletin board and in letters significantly boosts friendship and rewards you with gold. Reaching certain friendship levels unlocks unique recipes from Willy, each providing fishing buffs. These include Chowder, Escargot, Fish Stew, and Lobster Bisque.
By following these tips, you can easily cultivate a rewarding friendship with Willy and reap the benefits.
