Utility SKills

What are they?

I have seen a few people talking about "utility skills" and I have absolutely no i dea what one is so...examples please?

All I can assume is it is a skill which allows you to do something but...other than that I don't know what these skills might be or if I am even right...

skills that do not directly effect the opponent but give an strategical advantage, usually in pvp context.

examples:
wards
windborn speed

I'm going to quote myself here...
In short, skills that can be used defensively and offensively. I find Wards not exactly a prime example, unless you talk about Ward against Foes.

Yes I had ward vs foes in mind

When do you need utility?

example: Relic run map in HA

If you are going as an Illusion health degen mesmer any non degen skill can be seen as utility I suppose

Distortion is a "good" utility skill when a melee attacks you
Energy Tap/Energy Drain are good for gaining energy so that you can keep degen their health

Hope this helps

Hmmmm....

Distortion = defense?
Energy Tap/Drain = energy management?

I think of utility spells as having more of a team benefit or at least others on the team, like necros providing energy regen boosts for others.

That's my thoughts, utilities are things that help the rest of your party, sort of playing the supportive roll.

Heal Party
Extinguish