The application of fluid viscous dampers (FVDs) in high-rise buildings is increasing rapidly, driven by their effectiveness during seismic excitations. However, conventional design using fixed base or indirect soil structure interaction (SSI) approaches often leads to unrealistic results due to underestimated seismic demands. This study proposes a novel approach for the optimum design of FVDs incorporating direct SSI modeling for high-rise buildings. For this purpose, a 40-story case study building is selected along with the existing underlying soil. A detailed nonlinear finite element model (FEM) was developed for the superstructure and the underlying subgrade using direct SSI approach. For comparative study, two FVDs based models were developed: one designed based on seismic demands from a fixed base model, and the other utilizing the seismic demands from the direct SSI approach. These inelastic computer models were subjected to nonlinear time history analysis, employing three deconvoluted ground motions, to compare their seismic performance. The results show that the design of FVDs considering direct SSI approach can help lower the story drifts and displacements by up to 36% and increase energy dissipation by dampers by up to 10% compared to the conventional approach. The results emphasize the critical significance of adopting direct SSI modeling for achieving the optimal design of FVDs for the resilience of high-rise building structures.