Many scam websites pack malware, adware, or survey locks into files named something like God_of_War_2_100MB.rar . Standard, lossless data compression (like ZIP or RAR) relies on finding patterns and removing duplicate data. You cannot shrink a highly complex, 4 GB game filled with high-resolution textures, complex code, and audio tracks down to 50 MB without destroying the data. If a site claims an impossibly small file size for a massive game, it is usually a trap. The Real "Rips": Ripped and Scrubbed ISOS

Background music or multi-language voice acting lines are sometimes deleted, meaning the game functions but will be dead silent or missing dialogue. The Best Modern Formats for PS2 Compression

GZIP was the go-to compression method for earlier builds of PCSX2.

You can use specialized tools like MaxCSO to easily process files.

Legitimate files that are substantially smaller than the original game are usually "rips." Hackers and modders strip out data to make them small.

If you want to save space on your computer or handheld device without losing game quality, the best approach is to take clean, full-size ISO files and compress them yourself into modern, emulator-supported formats. 1. CHD Format (The Gold Standard)

Many PS2 games had massive "dummy files" added to fill up the physical DVD so that the data would be pushed to the outer edge of the disc for faster read speeds. Removing this padding can drop a 4 GB ISO down to 1 GB or less without any loss in game quality.

It strips out the empty padding on the disc automatically, regularly shrinking games by 30% to 70%. 2. CSO Format (Compressed ISO)

Game rippers often delete Full Motion Video (FMV) cutscenes entirely or use software to encode them at a horribly low bitrate to save massive amounts of space.

The internet is flooded with websites advertising PS2 games that are magically compressed from 4 GB down to 50 MB or 100 MB. It is critical to know what you are actually getting if you download these. The Fake: "Magic" 50 MB Archives