Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Willy

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. Find him at his shop (weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Gift-giving is key; remember his birthday (Summer 24) for an 8x friendship boost.

Gift Guide

Loved Gifts (+80 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)
• All universally loved gifts.

Liked Gifts (+45 friendship):

• Most fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll).
• Fish: Lingcod , Tiger Trout
• Quartz
• Bait and Bobber

Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid foraged goods, non-fish cooked dishes, Life Elixir, universally disliked/hated items (except for fish – Willy is neutral towards most fish not listed above).

Quests: Willy posts requests on the bulletin board, rewarding gold and friendship for completion. He also sends two fishing challenges via letter (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2). Completing these grants gold and friendship.

Friendship Perks: Reaching friendship levels unlocks 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)

By following these tips, you can cultivate a strong friendship with Willy and reap the rewards!