This guide focuses on befriending Willy, a key NPC in Stardew Valley. Willy, a seasoned fisherman, provides the player with their initial fishing rod and ongoing supplies. Building a strong relationship with him offers significant advantages.
Befriending Willy is straightforward and yields valuable rewards. Regular visits to his shop (weekdays) or his fishing spots (weekends and evenings) are recommended, along with thoughtful gift-giving. He particularly appreciates rare aquatic finds.
Updated January 4, 2025: With the 1.6 update, Willy's list of appreciated gifts has expanded to include several fishing-related books.
Gift Guide
Friendship in Stardew Valley thrives on generosity. Present gifts to Willy at his shop, or find him fishing on Saturdays or evenings at the Stardrop Saloon, beach, or river. Remember, his birthday is Summer 24; gifts on this day grant an 8x friendship boost.
Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship Points)
These are Willy's favorites. Some, like certain fish, are challenging to obtain, but pumpkins and mead are readily accessible. He also values books 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 a Furnace)
Iridium Bar (Iridium Ore in a Furnace)
Diamond (Mines)
Pumpkin (Fall Crop)- All universally loved gifts
Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship Points)
Good alternatives if loved gifts are scarce. Willy appreciates most fish-based cooked dishes.
- Cooked fish dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral)
- 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
- Universally disliked/hated gifts (except fish – neutral, unless specified above)
Quests (+150 Friendship Points)
Willy occasionally posts requests on the Help Wanted board. Completing these earns gold and a significant friendship boost. He also sends two letters with fishing challenges (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).
Friendship Perks
Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes as friendship levels increase:
- 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.
