This guide delves into befriending Willy, the amiable fisherman in Stardew Valley. He's a key early contact, providing your initial fishing rod and ongoing supplies. Building a friendship with him offers significant advantages.
Willy's Location: Find Willy at his shop (most weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). His birthday is Summer 24 – gifts given then have an 8x friendship boost.
Gift Guide:
The most effective way to enhance your relationship with Willy is through thoughtful gifts.
Loved Gifts (+80 friendship):
- Fish: Catfish, Octopus, Sea Cucumber, Sturgeon. These are high-value catches.
- Books: Jewels of the Sea, The Art O' Crabbing. These reflect his interests.
- Mead: Crafted from honey in a keg. A readily available, high-value option.
- Gold Bar: Smelted from gold ore.
- Iridium Bar: Smelted from iridium ore.
- Diamond: Found in the mines.
- Pumpkin: A readily available fall crop.
- All universally loved gifts.
Liked Gifts (+45 friendship):
- Most fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – he's neutral towards these).
- Fish: Lingcod, Tiger Trout.
- Quartz.
- Bait and Bobber.
Disliked & Hated Gifts: Avoid giving Willy foraged goods, non-fish-based cooked dishes, Life Elixir, universally disliked items (except fish – he's neutral towards most fish not listed above), and universally hated items.
Quests:
Willy occasionally posts requests on the notice board outside Pierre's General Store, offering gold and friendship points as rewards for completing them. He also sends two letters, challenging you to catch specific fish (Squid on Winter 2, Year 1; Lingcod on Winter 13, Year 2). Completing these challenges significantly boosts your friendship.
Friendship Perks:
Reaching friendship milestones with Willy unlocks unique recipes he sends you, each offering 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)
These recipes provide significant advantages for dedicated fishing.
