Willy is basically the first person you meet who actually gives you something useful. Within your first few days in Pelican Town, you get that letter telling you to head down to the docks. He hands you a bamboo pole, and honestly, he sets the tone for the entire relaxing vibe of the game. But as you start settling into your farm, you’ll realize that Willy is a bit of a tough nut to crack compared to someone like Shane or Pam. He isn't at the Saloon every single night, and his tastes are pretty specific to his craft. If you’ve been wondering what does Willy like in Stardew Valley, you’ve probably realized by now that throwing a random Salmonberry his way isn't going to cut it.
He’s an old-school salt-of-the-earth type. He grew up on the Fern Islands, he smells like sea salt, and he values the fruits of the ocean more than anything you can grow in a garden.
The Absolute Best Gifts for Willy
Most players make the mistake of thinking Willy just wants "fish." While that's technically true for some species, he actually hates quite a few of them. If you want to maximize your friendship points, you need to focus on his "Loved" gifts. These give you a massive +80 friendship points.
Catfish is a big one. You can only catch these on rainy days in the river (either in town or Cindersap Forest) during Spring and Fall. If you’re playing on a Forest Farm, you can snag them in your backyard pond too. They’re a bit of a pain to reel in because they dart around like crazy, but Willy loves them. He also has a massive soft spot for Octopus. You’ll find those in the Ocean during Summer mornings, but be warned: they are arguably the hardest fish in the game to catch outside of Legendaries.
If you aren't much of a fisherman yourself, you can still win him over with Sea Cucumbers. These show up in the Ocean during Fall and Winter evenings. They aren't particularly difficult to catch, making them a reliable way to boost your standing with him.
The Golden Pumpkin and Magic Rock Candy
Like almost every NPC in the game, Willy loves the Universal Loves. If you happen to have a Golden Pumpkin from the Spirit's Eve festival or a Magic Rock Candy from the Desert Trader, he'll be thrilled. But let’s be real: those are rare items. You're better off saving your Magic Rock Candy for a deep dive into the Skull Cavern. Stick to the fish.
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What to Avoid: Don't Insult the Fisherman
It’s weirdly easy to accidentally piss Willy off. You’d think a guy who spends his life around water would appreciate anything from the sea, but he has very high standards.
Basically, stay away from "forageable" seafood when gifting. Even though you find them on the beach right outside his shop, Willy dislikes Cockles, Mussels, and Oysters. Giving him one of these is a great way to watch your friendship meter slide backward. He also hates Coral and Nautilus Shells. To him, those are just clutter on the beach, not gifts.
And for the love of Yoba, do not give him a Carp. Most NPCs are neutral or dislike Carp, but for a professional fisherman like Willy, it's almost an insult. It’s a "trash fish" to him. He also shares the universal hatred for things like Algae, Seaweed, and Driftwood.
The Iridium Bar Secret
If you’ve reached the point where you’re regularly mining in the Skull Cavern, you probably have a surplus of Iridium Bars. Most people use these for tool upgrades or Hoppers, but Willy actually loves them. This is a bit of a hidden gem for players who find fishing too tedious. If you have the bars to spare, it’s the fastest way to hit ten hearts with him.
It makes sense if you think about it. Willy is a craftsman. He spends his time maintaining the boat (which we'll get to) and fixing up his shop. High-quality metal is a premium resource for someone living on the docks.
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Why You Should Care About Willy’s Friendship
Building a relationship with Willy isn't just about the warm fuzzies. It’s practical. As you gain friendship hearts with him, he starts sending you recipes in the mail. These aren't just filler recipes; they are some of the best fishing buffs in the game.
- Three Hearts: He sends the recipe for Chowder.
- Five Hearts: You get the recipe for Fish Stew.
- Seven Hearts: He sends Escargot.
- Nine Hearts: He sends the recipe for Fish Taco.
Fish Stew is a game-changer. It gives you a +3 Fishing buff that lasts for a very long time. If you’re trying to catch the Legend or the Glacierfish, having that extra bar size from Willy’s recipe is the difference between success and a broken line.
The Boat to Ginger Island
While it isn't strictly tied to his "gift" preferences, your relationship with Willy is the gateway to the late-game content. Once you've completed the Community Center (or the Joja Warehouse if you're a monster), Willy will invite you into the back room of his shop. He has an old, broken-down boat that needs 200 Hardwood, 5 Iridium Bars, and 5 Battery Packs to fix.
Repairing this boat unlocks Ginger Island. This is where the game truly opens up with the Walnut Room, the Volcano Dungeon, and the Island Farm. Willy is the one who sails you there every day for 1,000g.
Understanding Willy’s Schedule
Knowing what does Willy like in Stardew Valley is only half the battle; you have to find him first. Willy is a creature of habit, but his shop hours are strict. He opens at 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM.
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On most days, he’ll be standing behind the counter. If it’s raining, he might not open the shop at all and will instead fish off the pier right outside. On Saturdays in the Spring, if it's not raining, he often heads to the town square or the forest.
One thing that trips up new players is his Friday night routine. Like half the town, he usually ends up at the Stardrop Saloon in the evening. This is actually the best time to gift him. You can grab a beer for Pam, a salad for Leah, and hand Willy his Catfish all in one go.
Tips for Fast Friendship
If you want to speed-run your friendship with the old sailor, keep these things in mind:
- Quality Matters: A Gold or Iridium quality Catfish gives significantly more points than a regular one. Since you're likely catching these yourself, use some Quality Bait or a Trap Bobber to ensure you're getting the best possible specimen.
- The Feast of the Winter Star: If you draw Willy for the secret gift exchange, your gift's impact is multiplied by five. An Iridium Bar here can jump you several heart levels instantly.
- Birthdays: Willy’s birthday is Summer 24. Mark your calendar. Giving him a Loved gift (like a Mead or a Sea Cucumber) on his birthday results in 8x the normal friendship points. It’s the single most important day for your relationship with him.
Honestly, Willy is one of the most rewarding characters to get to know. He doesn't have the heavy drama of some other villagers. He just loves the sea, respects the craft, and wants to see you succeed as a fellow angler. He's the mentor figure of Pelican Town, and once you start bringing him the stuff he actually likes, he becomes a great ally to have in your corner.
Start saving those Fall Sea Cucumbers now. You'll thank yourself when you're sitting on Ginger Island with a backpack full of Golden Walnuts.
Actionable Next Steps for Success
- Check the Weather: Wait for a rainy day in Spring or Fall to stock up on Catfish. Keep them in a chest specifically for "Willy Gifts."
- Check the Traveling Cart: Sometimes the merchant sells an Octopus or a Mead. Even if it's expensive, it's worth it for the friendship jump if you aren't a high-level fisher yet.
- Save Your Iridium: If you’re already hitting the mines, keep two Iridium bars in your pockets on Summer 24. It’s the easiest +640 points you’ll ever get.
- Avoid the Beach Forage: Keep the shells for the Shipping Bin or the Sewing Machine; never give them to Willy.