One of the earliest and most endearing characters players encounter in Stardew Valley is the seasoned fisherman, Willy. This warm-hearted individual not only gifts players their first fishing rod but also imparts valuable knowledge about catching fish. Moreover, he serves as a reliable source for fishing supplies throughout the game.
Establishing a friendship with Willy is relatively straightforward, providing players with several unexpected advantages. Given that Stardew Valley promotes connections among its characters, taking time out to fish with Willy or offering him gifts at the docks can significantly improve your relationship. He especially values rare aquatic finds as tokens of appreciation.
Updated January 4, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: Willy’s eccentric personality adds charm to his character, and he remains one of the most accessible NPCs to befriend, particularly with an expanded selection of favorite gifts introduced in the 1.6 update. Players can now gift several books related to fishing—among other options—to boost their friendship levels. Below is a comprehensive guide to successfully befriending Willy in the latest game version.
Gift Guide
The key to forming friendships in Stardew Valley lies in generosity. To share gifts with Willy, players can find him at his shop on most weekdays, fishing by the docks on Saturday, or enjoying an evening at the Stardrop Saloon. He also frequents both the beach and river for fishing.
Willy’s birthday is on Summer 24. Any gifts bestowed upon him on this day will yield an impressive 8x friendship boost.
Loved Gifts
The following gifts are most cherished by Willy, offering a significant friendship gain of 80 points each. While some may be challenging to secure, such as elusive fish varieties, items like pumpkins and mead are excellent alternatives. Willy also shows affection for fishing-related books and valuable crafting materials.
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Fish:
,
,
,
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Books:
,
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– Crafted by placing Honey in a Keg.
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– Made from Gold Ore using the Furnace.
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– Crafted from Iridium Ore using the Furnace.
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– Found while mining.
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– Grown in the Fall.
- All universal loves.
Liked Gifts
If the beloved gifts present a challenge, consider these liked alternatives. Willy enjoys nearly all seafood preparations, encouraging players to cook and share their catches. These gifts will provide a 45-point friendship increase.
- All cooked dishes containing fish, except for Dish O’ the Sea, Sashimi, and Maki Roll, which he is neutral towards.
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Fish such as:
and
.
Disliked & Hated Gifts
To maintain a positive relationship, players should refrain from giving Willy items that he dislikes or hates. While disliked gifts result in minor friendship losses, hated ones can severely impact your standing. It’s best to avoid the following:
- All foraged goods
- All cooked dishes that don’t incorporate fish
- Life Elixir
- All universal dislikes (aside from fish); Willy remains neutral towards all fish not categorized as liked or loved
- All universal hates
Quests
Players may find requests from Willy posted on the “Help Wanted”board outside Pierre’s shop. These tasks could involve either retrieving a specific item or catching a certain fish quantity. Fulfillment of these quests and subsequent discussions with Willy rewards players with gold and a healthy boost of 150 friendship points.
Players will also receive letters from Willy, setting challenges for catching specific fish.
- Catch A Squid: On Winter 2 of the first year, Willy presents a challenge to catch this slippery cephalopod, rewarding players with gold and 1 friendship heart.
- Catch A Lingcod: On Winter 13 of the second year, Willy issues a more daunting task. Successfully catching a lingcod will earn players gold and another friendship heart.
Friendship Perks
Willy’s culinary skills are noteworthy, as he shares a variety of delicious recipes with players, contributing significantly to their fishing abilities. Unlike most villagers, who typically send one or two recipes, Willy offers a total of four, all providing beneficial fishing buffs.
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Chowder: Awarded at three hearts. Restores 101 health and 225 energy, granting a +1 fishing buff. -
Escargot: Available at five hearts. Similar health and energy restoration as chowder, with a +2 fishing buff. -
Fish Stew: Gained at seven hearts. Provides the same health benefits as previous dishes, enhancing fishing by +3. -
Lobster Bisque: Sent at nine hearts. This dish retains the restorative benefits of prior recipes, adding +3 fishing and a substantial +30 max energy, making it indispensable for marathon fishing trips!
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