Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Willy

This guide focuses on befriending Willy, a key NPC in Stardew Valley. Willy, a seasoned fisherman, offers early game assistance and valuable fishing supplies. Building a strong relationship with him yields significant benefits.

Befriending Willy is straightforward; regular interaction and thoughtful gifts are key. Rare fish are particularly appreciated.

Updated January 4, 2025: This guide reflects the 1.6 update, including new book gifts.

Gift Guide

Gifts significantly impact friendship levels. Willy's birthday (Summer 24) multiplies gift effectiveness eightfold.

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship):

• High-Value Fish: Catfish, Octopus, Sea Cucumber, Sturgeon. (Images: Catfish (/uploads/46/1736153593677b99f9da830.png), Octopus (/uploads/01/1736153594677b99fa52422.png), Sea Cucumber (/uploads/04/1736153594677b99fa9c78b.png), Sturgeon (/uploads/58/1736153595677b99fb07c89.png))
• Fishing-Themed Books: Jewels of the Sea, The Art O' Crabbing. (Images: Jewels of the Sea (/uploads/76/1736153595677b99fb6509c.png), The Art O' Crabbing (/uploads/19/1736153595677b99fbbbb57.png))
• Crafted Items: Mead (Honey in a Keg - Image: (/uploads/14/1736153596677b99fc2bac3.png)), Gold Bar (Gold Ore in Furnace - Image: (/uploads/85/1736153596677b99fcaa227.png)), Iridium Bar (Iridium Ore in Furnace - Image: (/uploads/87/1736153597677b99fd431f2.png))
• Valuable Minerals: Diamond (Image: (/uploads/11/1736153597677b99fda2535.png))
• Seasonal Produce: Pumpkin (Image: (/uploads/87/1736153598677b99fe1ad09.png))
• Universally Loved Gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship):

• Fish-Based Cooked Dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll)
• Specific Fish: Lingcod (Image: (/uploads/12/1736153598677b99fe6f4ba.png)), Tiger Trout (Image: (/uploads/71/1736153599677b99ff04c4b.png))
• Minerals: Quartz (Image: (/uploads/97/1736153599677b99ff6aa98.png))
• Fishing Supplies: Bait and Bobber (Image: (/uploads/35/1736153599677b99ffdfd9b.png))

Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid foraged goods, non-fish-based cooked dishes, Life Elixir, universally disliked items (except for fish where he is neutral unless specified above).

Quests:

Willy posts quests on the notice board, rewarding gold and friendship points upon completion. He also sends two letters challenging specific fish catches.

• Catch a Squid: (Winter 2, Year 1)
• Catch a Lingcod: (Winter 13, Year 2)

Friendship Perks:

Willy shares four fishing buff recipes at increasing friendship levels:

• 3 Hearts: Chowder (+1 Fishing) (Image: (/uploads/01/1736153603677b9a033c459.png))
• 5 Hearts: Escargot (+2 Fishing) (Image: (/uploads/88/1736153603677b9a0388ef7.png))
• 7 Hearts: Fish Stew (+3 Fishing) (Image: (/uploads/50/1736153604677b9a0411121.png))
• 9 Hearts: Lobster Bisque (+3 Fishing, +30 Max Energy) (Image: (/uploads/41/1736153604677b9a0466442.png))