From a game mechanics perspective, in tabletop RPGs, they often get abilities like 'Stonecunning' from dwarves but better, 'Pass Without Trace' in natural terrain, resistance to poison, maybe a 'Barkskin' innate spell. But the truest distinction is a home-field advantage—significant buffs when fighting in their chosen terrain type (forest, mountain, etc.). This mechanical reinforcement of the 'bond to the land' concept is how game designers set them apart from the more generalized '+2 to Dexterity' wood elf.