Stardew Valley: How To Befriend Willy

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This guide is part of a larger Stardew Valley resource: Stardew Valley: A Complete Guide and Walkthrough

#### Table of contents

Beginner Guides Basic Mechanics and Valley Life Creating a New Game Advanced Game Options Legacy Randomization Explained Local Co-op Multiplayer Co-op: Advantages and Disadvantages Player's Favorite Thing Your First Week: A Day-by-Day Guide Choosing the Best Farm Type Farm Layouts Ranked Beach Farm Guide Four Corners Farm Guide Wilderness Farm Guide Forest Farm Guide Hill-Top Farm Guide Riverland Farm Guide Meadowlands Farm Guide Early Game Priorities Spring Length and Timing Common Beginner Mistakes Seed Acquisition Guide Checking Date and Season Getting a Pet Pet Renaming Tips First Year Goals Essential Tips for New Players Spring Strategies Summer Strategies Fall Strategies Winter Strategies Farm Layout Optimization Manual Saving Unnecessary Expenses Community Center vs. JojaMart Community Center Route Guide Community Center Fish Tank Guide Community Center Completion Tips Joja Route Guide Remixed Bundles Guide Year One Beginner Guide Tool Upgrades Watering Can Refills Farmhouse Upgrades Farm Cave: Bats or Mushrooms Luck Management Skill Profession Choices Traveling Cart Guide Grandpa's Shrine Obtaining a Horse Inventory Management Breaking Large Objects Emotes and Item Handling Crafting Chests Comprehensive Crafting Guide Summer 3 Earthquake Explained Obtaining a Glow Ring Year Two Beginner Guide

Farming Guides Beginner Farming Guide Farming Professions Crop Quality Crop Sale Locations Strawberry Seed Acquisition Scarecrow Guide Fertilizer Guide Spring Crops Ranked Summer Crops Ranked Best Summer Crops Fall Crops Ranked Best Fall Crops Giant Crop Cultivation All Crops Guide Rare Seed Cultivation Mixed Seeds Guide New Seeds (1.6 Update) Beet Crop Guide Broccoli Crop Guide Carrot Crop Guide Fairy Rose Crop Guide Garlic Crop Guide Melon Crop Guide Poppy Crop Guide Powdermelon Crop Guide Red Cabbage Crop Guide Summer Squash Crop Guide Tea Crop Guide Sweet Gem Berry Crop Guide Ancient Fruit Crop Guide Animal Husbandry Animal Rankings Chicken Feeding Fence Construction Sheep Acquisition Pig Acquisition Preventing Animal Attacks Void Chicken Acquisition Blue Chicken Acquisition Golden Chicken Acquisition Ostrich Acquisition Duck Feather Acquisition Duck Swimming Guide Auto-Petter Assessment Animal Sale Strategies Building Construction Coop Construction and Use Barn Construction and Use Silo Construction and Use Mill Construction and Use Fish Pond Guide Greenhouse Guide Obelisk Acquisition Slime Hutch Guide Cabin Construction and Use Shed Usage Gold Clock Acquisition Artisan Goods Production Sugar Production Mead Production Beer Production Cheese Production Wine Production Raisin Production Truffle Oil Production Sprinkler Guide Quality Sprinkler Guide Legend Achievement Tips Fruit Tree Guide Oak Tree Guide Mahogany Tree Guide Mossy Seed Guide Infinite Grass Farming Golden Scythe Location Iridium Scythe Acquisition

Fishing Guides Fishing Basics Fish Sale Strategies Fish Catching Guide Lure and Bait Guide Bait Application Challenge Bait Guide Magnet Acquisition and Use Wild Bait Crafting Crab Pot Guide Crab Pot Baiting Treasure Chest Guide Best Fish and Locations Fishing Pro Tips Spring Fishing Guide Advanced Fishing Techniques Fish Pond Optimization Caviar Production Legendary Fish Locations Master Angler Achievement Tips Sturgeon Guide Squid Ink Acquisition Beach Farm Fishing Spot Fish Frenzy Guide Bobber Styles Sashimi Production Jellyfish Locations Complete Fish Tank Guide Albacore Location Bream Location Bullhead Location Catfish Location Chub Location Crab Location Eel Location Largemouth Bass Location Lava Eel Location Lingcod Location Midnight Carp Location Pufferfish Location Rainbow Trout Location Red Snapper Location Sandfish Location Shad Location Shrimp Location Squid Location Sunfish Location Super Cucumber Location Tuna Location Void Salmon Location Walleye Location Woodskip Location Glacierfish Location Legend Fish Location Mutant Carp Location

Mining Guides Mining Basics Mine Optimization Skull Cavern Access Skull Cavern Strategies Panning Guide Iridium Farming Tips Cinder Shard Acquisition Dangerous Mine Mode Staircase Guide Skull Cavern Level 100 Tips Mineral and Gem Locations Amethyst Location Aquamarine Location Bixite Location Emerald Location Fairy Stone Location Fire Quartz Location Fluorapatite Location Frozen Tear Location Jade Location Jamborite Location Opal Location Ruby Location Tigerseye Location Topaz Location

Combat Guides Combat Basics Weapon Stats Weapon Types Slingshot Guide Monster Slaying Tips Weapon Sale Strategies Adventurer's Guild Guide Buff/Nerf Guide Advanced Combat Techniques Monster Musk Guide Weapon Forging and Enchantment Monster Eradication Goals Mummy Killing Guide

Equipment Guide Best Boots Best Rings Infinity Weapon Acquisition Best Weapons Iridium Band Acquisition Tent Kit Guide Bone Sword Acquisition Mermaid Boots Acquisition Cinderclown Shoes Acquisition Meowmere Acquisition Dark Sword vs. Obsidian Edge Savage Ring Acquisition Forest Sword Acquisition Glowstone Ring Guide Burglar's Ring Guide

Foraging Guides Foraging Basics Foraging Optimization Best Forageables Forageable Item Locations Daffodil Location Leek Location Crystal Fruit Location Winter Root Location Morel Location Red Mushroom Location Snow Yam Guide Cave Carrot Location Moss Location Mushroom Log Guide Grape Location Rainbow Shell Guide Fiddlehead Fern Location Dragon Tooth Location Purple Mushroom Location Mystic Syrup Guide Tree Farm Setup Nautilus Shell Acquisition

Social Interaction Friendship Point System Befriending Villagers Early Friendship Priorities Universally Loved Gifts Caroline Friendship Guide Clint Friendship Guide Demetrius Friendship Guide Evelyn Friendship Guide George Friendship Guide Gus Friendship Guide Jas Friendship Guide Jodi Friendship Guide Leo Friendship Guide Lewis Friendship Guide Linus Friendship Guide Marnie Friendship Guide Pam Friendship Guide Pierre Friendship Guide Rasmodius Friendship Guide Robin Friendship Guide Sandy Friendship Guide Vincent Friendship Guide Willy Friendship Guide Krobus Friendship Guide Kent Friendship Guide Dwarf Friendship Guide Romance Guide Marriage Guide Divorce Guide Honeymoon Period Marriage Candidates Abigail Marriage Guide Alex Marriage Guide Emily Marriage Guide Haley Marriage Guide Harvey Marriage Guide Leah Marriage Guide Maru Marriage Guide Penny Marriage Guide Elliott Marriage Guide Sam Marriage Guide Sebastian Marriage Guide Shane Marriage Guide

Profit Maximization Profit Margin Explained Profitable Crops Profitable Artisan Goods Year One Money Guide Advanced Money Making Unsalable Items

Items and Machinery Machinery and Statues Anvil Bait Maker Casks and Cellar Crystalariums Dehydrator Fish Smoker Refrigerator and Mini-Fridges Furnaces Heavy Furnace Kegs Lightning Rods Mini-Forge Preserves Jars Preserves Jars vs. Kegs Oil Makers Seed Makers Recycling Machines Statue of Blessings Statue of the Dwarf King Tappers Goods and Resources Crafting Materials Clay Farming Hardwood Acquisition Honey Cultivation Oak Resin Acquisition Maple Syrup Production Earth Crystal Acquisition Refined Quartz Production Cloth Production Bone Fragment Guide Coal Farming Battery Pack Acquisition Silver Quality Wine Copper Bar Smelting Geode Acquisition Sap Acquisition

Trinkets and Consumables Stardrop Locations Prismatic Shard Location Trinket Rankings Fairy Box Acquisition Warp Totem Crafting and Use Treasure Totem Guide Fairy Dust Guide Mystery Box Guide Golden Animal Crackers Guide Butterfly Powder Guide Special Charm Acquisition

Other Items Dinosaur Egg Acquisition Golden Pumpkin Guide Best Food Recipes Health Restoring Foods Speed Buffing Foods

Secret Notes Guide Secret Note #20 Location Dwarf Scroll 4 Location Rarecrow Locations Best Hats and Acquisition Best Clothing and Crafting Rarest Items Furniture Rotation Stone Owl Acquisition Campfire Guide Cherry Bomb Crafting Text Sign Crafting Firework Guide Horse Flute Guide Town Key Acquisition Maki Roll Acquisition Chocolate Cake Recipe Strange Bun Acquisition

Quest Guides Quest Guide: Introductions Quest Guide: Rat Problem Linus' Blackberry Basket Location Sand Dragon's Meal Mayor's Lucky Shorts Location Robin's Lost Axe Location Old Master Cannoli's Request Quest Guide: Goblin Problem Trash Bear Assistance Quest Guide: A Winter Mystery Quest Guide: Jodi's Request Quest Guide: Crop Research Quest Guide: The Mysterious Qi Quest Guide: The Staff of Power Quest Guide: The Giant Stump Quest Guide: The Dark Talisman Witch's Hut Access Special Orders and Raccoon Requests Special Order Rewards Gus' Omelet Special Order Community Cleanup Special Order Rock Rejuvenation Special Order Ectoplasm Location Prismatic Jelly Location Raccoon Interaction Guide Raccoon Shop Guide Raccoon Request Completion

Life in the Valley Mastery Points Guide Green Rain Explained Bookseller Location Prize Machine Guide Decorative Plants Guide Secret Furniture Locations Yoba Explained

How-To Guides Split Screen Mode Hay Acquisition Sewing Guide Pants Recipes Clothing Dyeing Mannequin Acquisition Coffee Making Having Children Child Dismissal Secret Statue Locations House Decoration Catalogue Acquisition Name Change Appearance Change Multiplayer Marriage Junimo Kart Victory Book of Power Acquisition Mayor's Basement Access Pet Acquisition Pet Turtle Acquisition Multiple Pet Adoption Pet Bowl Guide Skill Book Acquisition Farm Screenshot Guide Cat Ear Acquisition Tea Set Acquisition

Locations and Places Region Unlocking Lost and Found Box Blacksmith Location Casino Location Quarry Location Secret Woods Location Sewer Location Krobus' Shop Guide Spa Location Museum Collection Guide Prehistoric Scapula Location Artifact Locations Hat Mouse Hidden Areas: Cindersap Forest

Events and Festivals Egg Hunt Guide (Spring 13) Desert Festival Guide (Spring 15-17) Flower Dance Guide (Spring 24) Luau Guide (Summer 11) Trout Derby Guide (Summer 20-21) Stardew Valley Fair Guide (Fall 16) Wheel Trick Guide Grange Display Victory Star Token Acquisition Spirit's Eve Guide (Fall 27) Festival of Ice Guide (Winter 8) SquidFest Guide (Winter 12-13) Night Market Guide (Winter 15-17) Mermaid Show Puzzle Feast of the Winter Star (Winter 25)

Secrets, Mysteries, and Theories Unsolved Mysteries (2024) Abigail's Father Mystery Crop Fairy Explained Train Mystery Strange Capsule Ancient Doll Mystery Leah's Statue Conspiracy Fall 26 Secret Witch Mystery Sea Monster Mystery Gunther's Ghost Theory Easter Eggs Mr. Qi Lore Meteorite Event

Ginger Island Island Access Parrot Guide Golden Walnut Locations Golden Coconut Guide Ginger Island Resort Guide Island Trader Unlocking Pirate Cove Unlocking Volcano Shop Location Ginger Island Farming Pineapple Seed Acquisition Banana Cultivation Volcano Dungeon Guide Gem Bird Walkthrough Gourmand Frog Guide Ginger Island Fossil Locations Professor Snail's Questions Ginger Island Mermaid Puzzle Pirate's Wife Quest Fizz Location Golden Joja Parrot Field Office Completion Qi Challenges Qi Challenge Rankings Qi Item Rankings Qi Gem Acquisition Qi Challenge Walkthrough: Extended Family

Post-Game Content Missing Bundle Completion Movie Theater Guide Community Upgrade Guide True Perfection Guide Wizard's Tower Guide Completionist Tips

Achievements and Trophies Polyculture Achievement Protector of the Valley Achievement Infinite Power Achievement Danger in the Deep Achievement Two Thumbs Up Achievement A Distant Shore Achievement Well-Read Achievement Unforgettable Soup Achievement Achievement/Trophy Guide

Player-Made Challenges No Bin Challenge Player-Made Challenge Guide Veteran Player Challenges Challenging Achievements Real-Life Recipes

Mods and More Mod Installation SMAPI Update Essential Mods Highest-Rated Mods Most Downloaded Mods Co-op Mods Game-Enhancing Mods Transformative Mods Speed-Up Mods Marriage Candidate Mods Joja Playthrough Mods Hair Mods Villager Preference Bot Save Anywhere Mod Cooking Mechanic Overhaul Mod Pokemon Animal Mod Ghibli Theme Mod Fast Animation Mod Skull Cavern Mod Character Mods Expansion Mods Dialogue Enhancement Mod Fishing Enhancement Mod Stardew Valley Expanded Stardew Valley Expanded Guide SVE Farm Layout SVE Recipes SVE Areas SVE Romance Guides SVE Bear Shop SVE Fish Locations

Willy: The Kind Fisherman

Willy Portrait

Willy, the kindhearted old fisherman, is one of the first NPCs you'll meet in Stardew Valley. He provides your starting fishing rod, teaches basic fishing techniques, and supplies fishing gear. Building a friendship with Willy offers significant advantages. Take a break from farming, visit Willy at his shop (weekdays), or find him fishing (weekends and evenings), and give him a gift to show your appreciation. He particularly values rare aquatic finds!

Updated January 4, 2025, by Demaris Oxman: Willy's a unique character, easily befriended due to his extensive list of favorite gifts, expanded with the 1.6 update. Many new books, mostly fishing-related, are now Loved or Liked gifts. This updated guide covers befriending Willy in the latest game version.

Gift Guide

Willy's Shop

Giving gifts is key to friendship in Stardew Valley. Find Willy at his shop (most weekdays), fishing (Saturdays), or at the Stardrop Saloon/beach/river (evenings). Remember, his birthday is Summer 24; gifts on this day provide an 8x friendship boost.

Loved Gifts (+80 Friendship)

These gifts significantly increase friendship. Some, like rare fish, are challenging to obtain, but pumpkins and mead are readily available. Willy also appreciates books and valuable crafting materials.

Fish: Catfish (![/uploads/46/1736153593677b99f9da830.png]), Octopus (![/uploads/01/1736153594677b99fa52422.png]), Sea Cucumber (![/uploads/04/1736153594677b99fa9c78b.png]), Sturgeon (![/uploads/58/1736153595677b99fb07c89.png])
Books: Jewels Of The Sea (![/uploads/76/1736153595677b99fb6509c.png]), The Art O' Crabbing (![/uploads/19/1736153595677b99fbbbb57.png])
Mead (![/uploads/14/1736153596677b99fc2bac3.png]) (Honey in a Keg)
Gold Bar (![/uploads/85/1736153596677b99fcaa227.png]) (Gold Ore in Furnace)
Iridium Bar (![/uploads/87/1736153597677b99fd431f2.png]) (Iridium Ore in Furnace)
Diamond (![/uploads/11/1736153597677b99fda2535.png]) (Mines)
Pumpkin (![/uploads/87/1736153598677b99fe1ad09.png]) (Fall Crop)
All universally loved gifts

Liked Gifts (+45 Friendship)

Good alternatives if Loved gifts are scarce. Willy enjoys most fish-based dishes.

Fish-based cooked dishes (excluding Dish O' the Sea, Sashimi, Maki Roll – neutral)
Fish: Lingcod (![/uploads/12/1736153598677b99fe6f4ba.png]), Tiger Trout (![/uploads/71/1736153599677b99ff04c4b.png])
Quartz (![/uploads/97/1736153599677b99ff6aa98.png])
Bait and Bobber (![/uploads/35/1736153599677b99ffdfd9b.png])

Disliked & Hated Gifts

Avoid these to prevent friendship loss. Hated gifts are worse than disliked.

Foraged goods
Non-fish cooked dishes
Life Elixir
Universally disliked gifts (except fish – neutral, except Liked/Loved)
Universally hated gifts

Quests

Willy's Quest Board

Willy sometimes posts quests on the notice board outside Pierre's, requesting items or fishing challenges. Completion rewards gold and 150 friendship points. He also sends two letters with fishing challenges:

Catch a Squid (Winter 2, Year 1): Rewards gold and 1 friendship heart.
Catch a Lingcod (Winter 13, Year 2): Rewards gold and another friendship heart.

Friendship Perks

Willy's Recipes

Willy shares four fishing-buff recipes:

Chowder (3 hearts): +1 fishing, restores health and energy.
Escargot (5 hearts): +2 fishing, restores health and energy.
Fish Stew (7 hearts): +3 fishing, restores health and energy.
Lobster Bisque (9 hearts): +3 fishing, restores health and energy, +30 max energy.