The energy-absorbing surge arresters used in high-voltage direct current (HVDC) transmission projects feature a significant number of parallel columns, with the uniformity of current distribution among them being of utmost importance. The traditional configuration optimization for multi-column parallel surge arresters no longer align with the operational needs of DC energy-absorbing surge arresters, which necessitate an uneven current distribution coefficient below 1.05. This paper delves into the impulse of impulse current wave-forms and matching current values on the current distribution characteristics of specimens with varying configuration designs, through experiments conducted under diverse impulse current wave-forms. The experimental findings reveal that the square wave impulse current is more susceptible to deviations in configuration design, making current distribution tests under square wave impulse current more precise. Ultimately, two types of resistor were subjected to different configuration designs and validated through current distribution tests under square wave impulse current. It was found that only when the deviation between the DC reference voltage and the square wave impulse residual voltage across each column is less than 0.16%, can the current distribution non-uniformity coefficient fall below 1.05. This research offers valuable insights for the configuration design of energy-absorbing surge arresters in future DC projects.