In the serene world of Stardew Valley, one of the earliest friendships you'll forge is with Willy, the grizzled yet kindly fisherman. As you embark on your journey, Willy not only gifts you your first fishing rod but also becomes your go-to source for fishing supplies and knowledge. Befriending Willy is not only rewarding but also enriches your gameplay experience in myriad ways.

To strengthen your bond with Willy, take a break from your farm duties to join him at the docks for some fishing, or show your generosity with thoughtful gifts. He's often found in his shop during weekdays, fishing on Saturdays, or unwinding at the Stardrop Saloon in the evenings. Remember, Willy's birthday is on Summer 24, and any gift given on this day will have an amplified effect on your friendship, increasing it by eight times the normal amount.

Gift Guide

Winning over Willy's heart is made easier by his extensive list of favorite gifts, which has expanded with the 1.6 update to include several fishing-related books. Here's a comprehensive guide on the best gifts to give Willy:

Loved Gifts

These gifts will significantly boost your friendship by 80 points. While some items like rare fish may be challenging to obtain, others like pumpkins and mead are more accessible:

• Fish: Catfish, Octopus, Sea Cucumber, Sturgeon
• Books: Jewels Of The Sea, The Art O' Crabbing
• Mead, crafted by placing Honey in a Keg
• Gold Bar, crafted using Gold Ore in the Furnace
• Iridium Bar, crafted using Iridium Ore in the Furnace
• Diamond, found in the Mines
• Pumpkin, grown during Fall
• All universal loves

Liked Gifts

If the Loved gifts are out of reach, these alternatives will still increase your friendship by 45 points. Willy appreciates most seafood dishes, encouraging you to cook and share your catch:

• All cooked dishes that use fish, except for Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, and Maki Roll (he is neutral towards these)
• Fish: Lingcod, Tiger Trout
• Quartz
• Bait And Bobber

Disliked & Hated Gifts

Avoid these items to prevent any decrease in your friendship with Willy:

• All foraged goods
• All cooked dishes that do not use fish
• Life Elixir
• All universal dislikes, except for fish. Willy is Neutral towards all fish, except those listed as Liked or Loved
• All universal hates

Quests

Willy occasionally posts quests on the "Help Wanted" board outside Pierre's, asking for specific items or challenging villagers to catch certain fish. Completing these quests and speaking with Willy will earn you gold and 150 friendship points. Additionally, Willy sends two letters challenging you to catch specific fish:

• Catch A Squid: On Winter 2, year one, successfully catching a squid will reward you with gold and 1 friendship heart with Willy.
• Catch A Lingcod: On Winter 13 in year two, catching a lingcod will grant you more gold and another friendship heart.

Friendship Perks

Befriending Willy comes with culinary benefits. Unlike most villagers who share one or two recipes, Willy sends you four different recipes, each providing a fishing buff:

• Chowder: Sent at three hearts. Restores 101 health and 225 energy, and provides a +1 fishing buff.
• Escargot: Sent at five hearts. Offers the same health and energy restoration as Chowder, but with a +2 fishing buff.
• Fish Stew: Sent at seven hearts. Restores the same as the above recipes and increases fishing by +3.
• Lobster Bisque: Sent at nine hearts. Restores health and energy like the others, provides a +3 fishing buff, and increases max energy by +30, perfect for extended fishing sessions!