Diablo 4’s “Favor for a Favor” quest is your introduction to the game’s fishing mechanic, a relaxing yet essential side activity that unlocks more fishing-focused quests later. Before you can tackle the iconic “The One That Got Away” quest, you must first complete “Favor for a Favor” by catching specific fish.
This quest tasks you with catching three common fish to help the NPC Shi Yugong, a passionate fisherman who will teach you the basics of fishing-from equipping a rod to casting and reeling in catches. The good news is you don’t need special gear; a basic fishing rod, provided during the quest, is all you need. As a result, you will obtain more Diablo 4 Items and gold.
The key to completing “Favor for a Favor” quickly is knowing exactly where to find each required fish. Unlike later fishing quests that send you across Sanctuary, these fish are all located in the same general area near Shi Yugong, making the quest straightforward with a little guidance. Below is a complete breakdown of each fish and its exact location.
First: Unlock the Fishing Mechanic and Locate Shi Yugong
Before you can catch any fish, you need to unlock fishing by starting “Favor for a Favor.” Shi Yugong, the quest giver, can be found in one of Sanctuary’s major hubs-usually near a body of water, as you’d expect from a fisherman.
Speak to him, and he’ll task you with catching three types of fish: Kokalo Don, Silverbelly, and Darkling. He’ll also give you a basic fishing rod, so you don’t need to craft or purchase one beforehand. All three fish are found in the immediate area around Shi Yugong, so you won’t need to travel far.
1. Kokalo Don: The Most Common Catch
The Kokalo Don is the easiest fish to find for “Favor for a Favor.” It is a common fish, meaning it has a high spawn rate, so you won’t need to cast your line too many times to catch one.
Head to the small pond or river directly adjacent to Shi Yugong’s location. This body of water is calm and free of enemies, allowing you to fish without interruptions. Cast your line into the water, wait for the bobber to dip (a visual and audio cue), and reel it in-chances are, your first or second catch will be a Kokalo Don.
If you don’t catch it right away, keep casting. The Kokalo Don is abundant here, so patience is minimal. Avoid moving to other water bodies; this nearby spot is the most efficient place to find it.
2. Silverbelly: Look for Calm, Shallow Waters
The Silverbelly is another common fish required for the quest, but it prefers slightly different water conditions than the Kokalo Don. It thrives in calm, shallow waters, so you’ll want to adjust your fishing spot slightly.
From Shi Yugong’s position, walk a short distance to the west (check your map for a small inlet or shallow part of the river). This area has slower-moving water, which is where Silverbellies tend to spawn.
Like the Kokalo Don, the Silverbelly has a high spawn rate, so you won’t spend long here. Cast your line into the shallow water, and you’ll likely catch one within a few tries. If you’re unsure if you’re in the right spot, look for ripples in the water-this indicates fish activity.
3. Darkling: The Slightly Tricker Catch
The Darkling is the third and final fish needed to complete “Favor for a Favor.” While still common, it has a slightly lower spawn rate than the other two, so you may need a bit more patience.
The Darkling prefers deeper water, so you’ll need to move to the edge of the pond or river near Shi Yugong, where the water is a bit deeper. This spot is still close by-you won’t need to fast-travel or fight any enemies to reach it.
Cast your line into the deeper water and wait for the bobber to dip. If you catch other fish (like the Kokalo Don or Silverbelly) instead, keep trying. The Darkling will spawn eventually, and once you catch it, you’ll have all three required fish.
Tips for Completing “Favor for a Favor” Quickly
Fishing in Diablo 4 is simple, but a few tips can make the quest even faster. First, always fish in the areas specified-sticking to the immediate vicinity of Shi Yugong saves time and avoids unnecessary travel.
Second, pay attention to the bobber. When it dips completely under the water, that’s your cue to reel in-waiting too long will cause the fish to get away. The audio cue (a soft “plop” followed by a tug) is also helpful if you’re focused on the map or surroundings.
Finally, don’t worry about other fish you catch. You may reel in common fish that aren’t required for the quest, but these can be sold for cheap Diablo 4 Gold or used for other in-game purposes. Focus on the three required fish, and you’ll finish the quest in no time.
What Comes After “Favor for a Favor”?
Once you’ve caught all three fish, return to Shi Yugong to complete the quest. He’ll reward you with experience points, gold, and unlock the full fishing mechanic. This also unlocks his next quest, “The One That Got Away,” which tasks you with catching six rare fish across all of Sanctuary.
Completing “Favor for a Favor” is more than just a side quest-it’s the foundation for Diablo 4’s fishing system. Mastering the basics here will make later fishing quests easier, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a top fisherman in Sanctuary.
With this guide, you’ll have no trouble finding all the fish needed to complete “Favor for a Favor.” Grab your fishing rod, head to the water near Shi Yugong, and enjoy the calm before diving back into the chaos of Diablo 4’s dark world.