This guide explores befriending Willy, the kindly fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable ally, providing fishing supplies and a surprisingly long list of favorite gifts.
Building a friendship with Willy offers significant advantages. He's easily befriended and provides helpful fishing perks. Show your appreciation by gifting him items, especially rare fish, and remember his birthday (Summer 24) for maximum friendship boost.
Updated January 4, 2025: The 1.6 update added new books to Willy's list of appreciated gifts, further enhancing the options for strengthening your bond.
Gift Guide
Find Willy at his shop (weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or the Stardrop Saloon (evenings). Remember, gifts given on birthdays have an 8x friendship boost.
Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship):
These top-tier gifts significantly increase friendship. While some, like certain fish, require effort, pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. Willy also appreciates books about fishing and valuable crafting materials.
- 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):
These are excellent alternatives to Loved gifts. Willy enjoys most fish-based cooked dishes.
- Cooked fish 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 cooked dishes
- Life Elixir
- Universally disliked gifts (except fish – he's neutral towards most fish not listed above)
Quests (+150 Friendship):
Willy occasionally posts requests on the bulletin board. Completing them rewards gold and friendship. He also sends two letters with fishing challenges:
- Catch a Squid (Winter 2, Year 1)
- Catch a Lingcod (Winter 13, Year 2)
Friendship Perks:
Reaching friendship milestones unlocks unique recipes from Willy, each providing fishing buffs:
- 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)
