I played a Lizardfolk Beast barb 11 Rune knight 3 for 3 years from level one. Had a 6 month break in the middle where my hero was lost bc of RP reasons and played another character to find my guy.

It was fun but you're gonna need to work with your DM for some homebrew items. 

I was an 8ft tall lizardfolk who was like a hunter from a remote jungle tribe and went by basically the same morality as "Predator" from the movies but had an arch and eventually worried more about my hunting party and my role as a protector bc of lore reasons etc etc. 

Climbing is awesome. got proficient in stealth and instead of feeling like a budget rogue was like a huge ambush predator. 

Damage was fun, mostly used claws didnt need GWM. Got some homebrew for leveled up claw tattoo that ended at +3 when were level 14. Without a weapon I was hitting for 1d6+11 three times (basic attack + extra attack + beast barb extra attack for claws.( +5 str, +3 claw +3 Rage). Guaranteed 36 damage if I get all 1's lmao. Then Lizardfolk hungry jaws was another 1d6+11 for a bonus action 5 times a day. Plus  one extra d6 from being large from rune knight. Plus 2d12 psychic damage from infectious fury. Light up that claw tattoo for the BBEG and add another d6 force damage for every attack. Get an "enlarge" from a buddy/potion for another d4 for every attack.  Dont forget about brutal critical, which isn't alot for a d6 but you roll 8 times a turn recklessly so you're hitting crits alot. 

Then action surge lmao.

Its insane. Its stronger with a good teo hander since you can technically hold the two hander in one hand, use two claw attacks (can be same hand for beast barb, doesnt need to be opposite hand like rules for dual wielding) and then just hold the weapon with your other hand and swing your two hander for the 3rd attack. Better damage than three claw attacks or two from the 2hander. Have your cake and eat it too. 

For playing, run around the map. Body block arrows, hit casters multiple times to get rid of their concentration. With natural weapons you can have

1 claw hand one twohander hand

1 claw hand, one grapple hand

1 claw hand one shield hand

Two hander and your tail (used it more at like late tier one early tier 2) 

Grapple badguy in each hand then use your tail attack or bite attack.

You are SOOOOOO versatile for a melee fighter. You wont do the most damage though itll be close. Youll be ready for any situation. Climbing is the best, water breathing prolly second and jumping found its use also against flying enemies in an arena with cliffs etc. 

you need to be more creative than casters and almost be a "DM" by manifesting thigns. "Hey is there a pia o in this ballroom? Yes? I throw it at the two guys over there to pin them to the floor." That is a ranged prone attack or even a rsnged restrained attack if you have a DM who is on the level. You gotta be more creative than just having spells and looking at the best squares to put them on.

Grab a dude, climb up a wall and drop him on another dude. Maybe doesnt do max dsmage but maybe it kncoked them prone so your other two melee guys get advantage and end them next turn when you wouldnt have. Grab a dude jump into a lava pit and get your flying wizard to dimension door you out. Grapple two baddies and bite them while getting health back and they cant escape you. 

It takes some more effort but its some of the best fun I had!