Aerodynamic performance of a tall structure can be significantly improved by providing different shape modifications (major and minor). This study presents a comparison of wind load and pressure distribution on different types of shape-modified Y-plan-shaped buildings. The numerical study was done by ANSYS CFX for two turbulence models: k– $$ \epsilon $$ and shear stress transport. For validation purposes, the results of the regular Y-shaped building model are compared with previous experimental results in a similar flow condition. The flow patterns, wind-induced force and distribution of pressure over the surfaces of different types of Y-shaped buildings are represented graphically to interpret the limit of alteration due to the modifications of shape. Different types of helical, tapered, setback and corner-modified models were analysed, and their pros and cons were discussed. Setback building model with rounded corner shape is proved out to be most efficient among the studied models, but there is a problem of a huge increase in the suction on the corner regions.