Meet Willy, the Fisherman: Guide to Earning Friendship in Stardew Valley

This guide focuses on befriending Willy, the kindly old fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a valuable early connection, providing fishing gear and supplies. Befriending him offers significant advantages.

Building a friendship with Willy is straightforward. Find him at his shop (most weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Remember his birthday is Summer 24; gifts given then have an 8x friendship boost.

Gift Guide

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship): These are the best options.

• 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): Good alternatives to Loved gifts.

• 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.

• Foraged goods
• Non-fish cooked dishes
• Life Elixir
• Universally disliked/hated gifts (except fish – neutral, unless specified above).

Quests (+150 Friendship): Complete requests on the "Help Wanted" board for gold and friendship points. Willy also sends two letters with fishing challenges (Squid – Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod – Winter 13, Year 2).

Friendship Perks: Willy sends four fishing-buff recipes at increasing friendship levels:

• 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 quickly befriend Willy and reap the rewards!