Willy is the cornerstone of the fishing community in Pelican Town. As the local fisherman who runs the Fish Shop on the beach, he is one of the first NPCs you’ll interact with significantly. Building a friendship with him isn't just about social points; it unlocks essential seafood recipes and plays a pivotal role in the late-game progression toward Ginger Island. This guide breaks down exactly what to give Willy to maximize your relationship efficiently.

Quick Reference: Willy's Top Tier Gifts

If you are in a rush to catch him before his shop closes at 5:00 PM, here are the safest and most effective items to carry in your inventory:

  • Birthday: Summer 24 (Always save a "Loved" item for this day for an 8x friendship multiplier).
  • Best Loved Gifts: Catfish, Diamond, Iridium Bar, Mead, Octopus, Pumpkin, Sea Cucumber, Sturgeon.
  • Best Liked Gifts: Gold Bar, Quartz, Lingcod, Tiger Trout, and most cooked fish dishes.

Detailed Breakdown of Loved Gifts

To reach those heart events quickly, you should focus on "Loved" gifts. These provide 80 friendship points, compared to the 45 points from "Liked" items.

1. Catfish

Catfish are a favorite of Willy’s, reflecting his respect for challenging catches. You can find them in the river (Pelican Town or Cindersap Forest) during rainy days in Spring and Fall. If you have unlocked the Secret Woods, they can also be caught there during rainy Summers. For players who struggle with the fishing mini-game, Catfish can occasionally be found in garbage cans during Spring and Fall or purchased from the Traveling Cart.

2. Diamond

Diamonds are a universal favorite for many NPCs, and Willy is no exception. While expensive, they are highly effective. The most efficient way to use Diamonds as gifts is to place one in a Crystalarium. This allows you to produce a steady supply of Diamonds without ever stepping foot back into the Mines. It is often more time-efficient than hunting for specific fish.

3. Iridium Bar

While Iridium is a precious late-game resource used for tool upgrades and crafting, Willy appreciates the craftsmanship. If you have the Statue of Perfection (from Grandpa’s Evaluation) or are frequently diving into Skull Cavern, you likely have an excess of Iridium Ore. Smelt them into bars to quickly max out Willy’s friendship.

4. Mead

For a relatively low-cost "Loved" gift, Mead is an excellent choice. You can produce Mead by placing Honey (any variety) into a Keg. Since Willy visits the Stardrop Saloon frequently, carrying a stack of Mead is a convenient way to gift him during his evening wind-down.

5. Pumpkin

If you prefer farming over fishing, stock up on Pumpkins during the Fall. They are one of the few non-aquatic items Willy loves. Growing a large patch of Quality Fertilizer-boosted Pumpkins ensures you have enough gifts to last through the Winter and Spring.

6. Specialized Fish: Octopus, Sea Cucumber, and Sturgeon

  • Octopus: One of the hardest fish to catch. Found in the Ocean during Summer mornings. It's high effort, but Willy respects the hustle.
  • Sea Cucumber: Much easier to catch than the Octopus. Look for these in the Ocean during Fall and Winter.
  • Sturgeon: Found in the Mountain Lake during Summer and Winter. These are also required for making Caviar, so keep a few extras for Willy.

Liked Gifts: The Reliable Fallbacks

When "Loved" items are out of reach, these "Liked" items provide 45 friendship points. Most are easy to find or craft early in the game:

  • Quartz: Found abundantly on almost every floor of the Mines. It is arguably the easiest gift to give Willy in the first year.
  • Gold Bar: A solid choice if you have extra gold ore from the mid-levels of the Mines.
  • Tiger Trout & Lingcod: If you are already out fishing in the river during Fall or Winter, keep these specific fish aside instead of selling them.
  • Cooked Dishes: Willy likes almost all fish-based cooking, such as Baked Fish, Chowder, Fried Eel, and Fish Tacos. However, note that he dislikes many non-fish cooked dishes, so stick to the seafood menu.

Items to Avoid

Giving a disliked or hated gift will decrease your friendship points. Willy has a particular distaste for foraged items that don't come from the sea.

  • Hates: All Universal Hates (like Trash, Carp, or Holly).
  • Dislikes: Most foraged greens like Wild Horseradish, Common Mushrooms, Leeks, Dandelions, and Daffodils. He also dislikes most non-fish cooking and the Life Elixir.

Where to Find Willy: Schedule and Timing

Willy is a creature of habit, but his location changes based on the weather and the day of the week. Knowing his movement is key to delivering gifts before he heads to bed.

Regular Schedule (Sunny Weather)

  • 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Fishing on the pier right outside his shop.
  • 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Standing behind the counter at the Fish Shop.
  • 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM: Fishing on the beach south of his shop.
  • 10:00 PM: Returns to his house (the back room of the shop).

Friday Night & Rainy Days

On Fridays or whenever it rains, Willy leaves the beach early. After closing the shop at 5:00 PM, he heads straight to the Stardrop Saloon. He usually stays there until 11:20 PM. This is the best time to gift him Mead or a Diamond while you are also socializing with other villagers.

Saturday Schedule

If the weather is clear, Willy takes a break from the shop.

  • 6:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Fishing in the Cindersap Forest river near Leah’s Cottage.
  • 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Fishing in the town river near the bridge.
  • 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM: Relaxing at the Stardrop Saloon.

Special Events and 1.6 Update Notes

  • Night Market (Winter 15-17): Willy can be found at the Saloon or near the docks during the Night Market. Since he doesn't run the shop during the festival hours, you’ll find him more socially active.
  • Trout Derby (Summer 20-21): Willy participates in the fishing festival in Cindersap Forest. You can find him near the festival booth.
  • SquidFest (Winter 12-13): Similar to the Trout Derby, Willy is present at the beach for this event.

Rewards for Befriending Willy

As your heart level with Willy increases, he will send you valuable seafood recipes in the mail. These dishes provide significant buffs to your Fishing skill, making it easier to catch legendary fish.

  1. 3 Hearts: Chowder Recipe (+1 Fishing buff). High energy and health restoration.
  2. 5 Hearts: Escargot Recipe (+2 Fishing buff). Excellent mid-game food for long fishing days.
  3. 7 Hearts: Fish Stew Recipe (+3 Fishing buff). One of the best fishing foods in the game due to its long duration.
  4. 9 Hearts: Lobster Bisque Recipe (+3 Fishing buff and Max Energy increase). The ultimate end-game fishing food.

Beyond recipes, Willy is the gatekeeper to the Boat Repair quest. Once you complete the Community Center (or Joja Warehouse), reaching high friendship with Willy isn't strictly required for the boat, but it makes the narrative transition to Ginger Island much smoother as he guides you through the process of fixing his old ship.

Tips for Efficient Friendship Leveling

To hit 10 hearts with Willy without wasting resources, follow this strategy:

  • The Crystalarium Strategy: Early on, put a Quartz in a Crystalarium. Once you find a Diamond, swap it out. Give Willy a Diamond twice a week.
  • The Saloon Routine: Every Friday night, visit the Saloon. Willy, Clint, and Pam are almost always there together. It’s the most efficient time to distribute gifts.
  • Fish Smoker (1.6 Feature): While Willy doesn't have a specific "Love" for smoked fish over regular fish for gifting, using the Fish Smoker (recipe bought from his shop) increases the value of the fish you catch, allowing you to buy more Mead or Diamonds if you're short on resources.

By focusing on his Summer 24 birthday and keeping a few Sea Cucumbers or Diamonds in a chest near the beach, you’ll have Willy at maximum friendship in no time. This unlocks the best fishing buffs in Stardew Valley, ensuring your success in completing the Master Angler achievement.